Israel strikes Hezbollah's headquarters in huge blast, targeting group's leader
The Israeli military on Friday launched a string of massive explosions aimed at the Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut. The strikes were said to be targeting Hassan Nasrallah, the militant group's chief. According to Lebanon's health ministry, the blasts claimed at least six lives and injured 91 others. This is the biggest explosion to rock Lebanon's capital in over a year, ramping up the already high tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Aftermath of the strike and Israel's continued campaign
The strikes, which flattened several tall apartment buildings, were part of an escalated campaign by Israel against Hezbollah over the last two weeks. The Israeli army didn't confirm whether Nasrallah was specifically targeted or if he was at the site during the attack. However, a Hezbollah spokesperson said Nasrallah was fine, hours after the explosions. Following these strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut short his visit to the United States to return home.
Israel's military targets Hezbollah's main headquarters
In his address at the United Nations in New York hours before the strike, he vowed that Israel's intensified campaign against Hezbollah over the past two weeks would continue. The blasts occurred during Netanyahu's press conference following his UN address. A military aide whispered in his ear, and Netanyahu abruptly ended the briefing. Israeli army spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah's main headquarters, located underground beneath residential buildings.
Visuals of the blast
Israel launches new set of strikes, warns residents
The blasts occurred around nightfall in Haret Hreik, a densely populated Shiite district of Beirut's Dahiyeh suburbs. Early Saturday, Israel's air force kicked off another wave of strikes in the southern suburbs. Residents of three buildings were told to evacuate because these buildings were supposedly being used by Hezbollah to stash away weapons, including anti-ship missiles. The Israeli military also announced more attacks on Beqaa in eastern Lebanon and Tyre in the south.
