26 Sep 2024 | 02:10 PM UTC
Lebanon: Israeli airstrike targeting senior Lebanese Hizballah commander kills at least two in southern Beirut Sept. 26 /update 1
Israeli airstrike targeting senior Lebanese Hizballah commander kills at least two near Al Qaim, in southern Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 26.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it launched an airstrike, which reportedly targeted a senior Lebanese Hizballah (LH) commander leading LH's aerial forces, in the Al Qaim area of Dahieh in southern Beirut on Sept. 26. Lebanese authorities confirmed that at least two people were killed and 15 injured in the strike; authorities will probably continue to update the casualty count over the coming hours.
Increased security, transport, and business disruptions are likely in the affected areas over the coming hours. 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.
On Sept. 20, the IDF targeted Ibrahim Aqil, a senior Lebanese Hizballah (LH) commander in the same Al Qaim area of Dahieh in Beirut, killing nine people and injuring 59 others.
