Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, has just witnessed one of the most intense airstrikes in recent history. The Israeli military launched a series of massive consecutive strikes that hit the southern suburbs of Beirut from late Saturday into Sunday.
Reuters eyewitnesses described the scene as apocalyptic, with booms echoing across the city and flashes of red and white visible from several kilometers away for nearly 30 minutes. The sheer scale of the attack sent shockwaves throughout the city, leaving many residents in a state of panic.
The strikes are part of Israel's expanded campaign against Lebanon, targeting strongholds of the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah has long been considered a thorn in the side of Israel, and the latest attacks are seen as an escalation of the ongoing conflict.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was reportedly killed in the recent bombing, dealing a significant blow to the group. However, the extent of the damage is still unclear, and the situation on the ground remains fluid.
A Lebanese security source revealed on Saturday that Hashem Safieddine, the potential successor to Nasrallah, had been out of contact since Friday. This has sparked concerns that Safieddine may have also fallen victim to the Israeli airstrikes. An Israeli airstrike near the city's international airport on Friday was reported to have targeted him, and his current status remains unknown.
The consequences of these recent attacks are still unfolding, and it is uncertain how the situation will develop in the coming days. One thing is clear, however: the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has reached a boiling point, and the international community will be watching closely to see how events unfold.
The Beirut suburbs, which have long been considered a stronghold for Hezbollah, have been a focal point for the Israeli military in recent days. The area has been the site of intense bombing, and residents have been forced to take shelter in fear of their lives.
The Israeli military has not commented on the specifics of the strikes, but it is clear that the operation is part of a broader strategy to weaken Hezbollah's grip on Lebanon. The Iranian-backed group has long been a source of tension in the region, and Israel has made no secret of its intention to take decisive action.