A dangerous escalation for the Middle East as a whole is the murder of the “number 2” of Hezbollah’s military branch, Ibrahim Akil, who was among the 14 people killed in today’s Israeli airstrike in Virito.
The Israeli airstrike is yet another severe blow to Hezbollah, following the deadly explosions of its communications devices in the previous days. These two developments alone are a serious indication that the war is shifting from Gaza to Lebanon, with Israel making dangerously provocative moves.
The UN, declaring “very concerned” about the situation in Lebanon after the Israeli strikes in that country, called for “de-escalation” and “maximum restraint”.
“We are very concerned about the increasing escalation around the Blue Line, including today’s deadly attacks in Beirut. We call on all sides to immediately de-escalate. The whole world must show maximum restraint,” said Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as the UN Security Council meets tonight to discuss the situation in Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a terse statement saying Israel’s goals are clear and its actions speak for themselves, Israeli media reported.
14 dead and 66 injured
14 dead and at least 66 injured from the Israeli strike on a high-rise building in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Lebanese Ministry of Health announced.
According to the Lebanese news agency NNA, five children are among the victims of the attack on the Jamous Street building. The agency said an F-35 fighter jet hit the residential area in two strikes. Hezbollah has not yet confirmed that its high-ranking commanders are among the victims.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry this evening condemned the “barbaric and illegal” air strike “of the Zionist regime”, which “constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, as well as a violation of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security” ” as stated by his representative, Nasser Kanani, in a statement he issued.
“There is no doubt that the Zionist regime seeks to escalate tension and expand the geography of war and conflict in the region,” he continued, adding that “such an illegal policy constitutes a clear threat to international peace and security.”
Ten commanders dead
Ten senior Hezbollah commanders were killed along with Ibrahim Akil, the head of the al-Radwan force, an elite unit of the pro-Iranian Lebanese movement, the Israeli military spokesman said, adding that Israel was not seeking regional escalation.
“Israeli Air Force fighter jets launched a targeted strike (on) Beirut, killing Ibrahim Akil, head of Hezbollah’s operations unit, commander of the Radwan unit,” the spokesman said, noting that the deadly strike was aimed “to protect citizens of Israel”. Akil was endorsed by the US in the amount of 7 million dollars.
See also: Who was Ibrahim Akil who was targeted by Israel in the attack on Beirut
⚡️BREAKING:
The US offered a $7 million reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Ibrahim Aqeel, following his involvement in an operation that resulted in the deaths of 63 Americans in Beirut. pic.twitter.com/1Zqap5IPfw
— Current Report (@Currentreport1) September 20, 2024
The Lebanese television network Al Manar – controlled by Hezbollah – reported an attack in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital.
BREAKING :
Israel is dropping bombs on residential areas in the densely populated southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut.
An entire building was pulverized.
This is full-blown terrorism. pic.twitter.com/ScfwHyxAjH
— sarah (@sahouraxo) September 20, 2024
A security source told Reuters of an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
“Israel carried out an airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut near the Al-Qaim mosque,” a source told AFP.
According to footage from his live telecast Reutersa thick cloud of smoke was seen rising over the Lebanese capital, while residents in the city’s southern suburbs reported hearing a loud explosion.
#Israel I found some Leaders of #Hezbollah not Beirut.
Today, 4 guided missiles hit two specific buildings in the capital of Lebanon pic.twitter.com/bjpm8Xowhj— the exocet 🚀 (@pampaIIIpelis) September 20, 2024
This is northern Israel right now following intensive Hezbollah rocket fire from Lebanon towards Israel.
Make no mistake: those who harm the people of Israel will pay the price. pic.twitter.com/dtXqXlL4Ub
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) September 20, 2024
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#Beirut #Conflagration #Middle #East #assassination #Hezbollah #commanders #Israel #dead #Photos #Videos
