Israel killed a top Hezbollah leader on Wednesday, the most important target since the war with the pro-Iranian group began, in a strike that shook Beirut at night and killed seven people according to authorities. Israeli airstrikes, targeting Lebanon since March 2, have resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than a million displaced persons according to official figures. Youssef Hachem, the military chief for Iraq within Hezbollah, was killed in a strike in the Jnah neighborhood, as reported by a security source and another close to the pro-Iranian group.
The veteran Shiite movement member was killed while meeting with other Hezbollah members in a tent, the security source clarified. Israel has targeted Hezbollah leaders on multiple occasions while they were meeting in apartments. According to a source close to the group, Youssef Hachem is “the highest-ranking leader to be targeted since the beginning of the war.”
The Israeli army announced killing this leader, portraying him as “the southern front commander within Hezbollah,” in a strike from warships. Their spokesperson claimed, “This is an important blow to Hezbollah’s capabilities to continue fighting against the army in southern Lebanon.”
Hezbollah confirmed the death of another member in the Jnah strike, a neighborhood near the southern suburb, a Hezbollah stronghold, resulting in seven deaths and 26 injuries according to the Ministry of Health. An AFP correspondent witnessed vehicle debris and firefighters battling a fire at night. The airstrikes, resonating throughout the capital, created three craters and damaged dozens of cars on the debris-filled streets.
A resident, Hassan Jalwan, reported hearing “loud explosions” and highlighted that displaced people were sleeping on the streets in the neighborhood. Another strike targeted a car on Tuesday evening in Khaldiya, at the southern entrance of Beirut, killing two and injuring three, authorities confirmed. On-site, a burnt vehicle was seen, and rescuers carried an injured person on a stretcher, the AFP correspondent observed.
Context:
- Israel targeted a top Hezbollah leader, resulting in casualties and damage in Beirut.
Fact Check:
- Hezbollah is a militant group based in Lebanon with close ties to Iran, often engaged in conflicts with Israel.
- Israel and Hezbollah have been involved in numerous military confrontations over the years.
