20 Sep 2024 | 01:38 PM UTC
Lebanon: Israeli airstrike against a suspected senior Lebanese Hizballah (LH) commander in Beirut, Sept. 20 /update 1
Israeli airstrike targeting alleged senior LH commander kills at least eight in the Dahieh area of Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 20.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they launched an airstrike, which reportedly targeted Ibrahim Aqil, a senior Lebanese Hizballah (LH) commander, in the Al-Qaim area of Dahieh in Beirut on Sept. 20. Initial reports indicate at least eight people have been killed and 14 injured; authorities will probably update the casualty count over the coming hours. The IDF did not immediately issue changes to the Home Front Command defensive guidelines following the strike.
Over the coming hours, the affected areas will likely experience increased security and, transport and business disruptions. Further cross-border violence is likely in the short term.
Avoid the impacted areas until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Heed instructions from authorities. In light of recent regional tensions, consider avoiding nonessential travel to Lebanon, particularly the border region shared with Israel, until the situation stabilizes. Consider departing Lebanon via commercial means while these are available. Note that commercial options in Lebanon may become increasingly limited if the security environment deteriorates.
The latest Israeli strike comes amid the ongoing cross-border violence between the IDF and Lebanese Hizballah (LH) and Hamas militants. The IDF's objective is to deter the militants from further attacks against Israel and to force them to withdraw from areas near the country's border with Lebanon.
