Israel Confirms Death Of Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah In Beirut Airstrike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of designated terrorist organization Hezbollah, was killed in an airstrike targeting the group’s central command in Beirut, Lebanon. Nasrallah, who had been the secretary-general of Hezbollah since 1992, was reportedly killed along with several high-ranking commanders, including Ali Karki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front.

The IDF confirmed the strike through statements on social media, with IDF spokesman Nadav Shoshani posting, “Hassan Nasrallah is dead.” An official statement from the Israeli government also outlined Hezbollah’s command structure, listing several other leaders who were killed in recent operations. The airstrike is part of ongoing Israeli military actions against Hezbollah, which Israel considers a terrorist organization.

Lebanese state media reported a series of Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs Friday, which caused loud explosions in the capital. Video footage of the strikes was shared by various media outlets, including Al Arabiya.

Hassan Nasrallah, born in 1960, had led Hezbollah since 1992, after his predecessor was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Under his leadership, Hezbollah became a significant force in Lebanon, gaining influence through military actions and political maneuvering. Nasrallah was a key figure in the 2006 Lebanon War, during which Hezbollah’s use of rockets to strike northern Israel contributed to the conflict’s escalation.

Hezbollah, founded in response to Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, has long been involved in regional conflicts, including its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war. Nasrallah’s death is expected to have significant implications for Hezbollah and its operations in the region.

Reactions to Nasrallah’s death have varied. Some Lebanese citizens were seen celebrating in the streets, while others expressed concern over potential escalations in violence. The full impact of his death on Hezbollah’s future and on Lebanon’s political landscape remains uncertain.