Top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil among 14 killed in Israeli strike on Beirut
- In Reports
- 01:24 PM, Sep 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
Israel conducted an airstrike on Beirut on Friday, September 20, killing a senior Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Aqil, and several other high-ranking members of the group. The Israeli military said the attack targeted members of an elite Hezbollah unit, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with the Iran-backed group.
In a statement released just after midnight, Hezbollah confirmed Aqil's killing and called him "one of its top leaders." The circumstances of his death were not revealed, though. His death occurred in the Dahiyeh neighbourhood of Beirut, according to the group, which called the incident a "treacherous Israeli assassination."
At least 14 people died in the airstrike, according to Lebanon's health ministry more deaths are anticipated as rescue crews continue their work. Nine people were listed as critically injured by the ministry, out of at least 66 total injuries. According to a second security source, multiple missiles striking the garage entrance of a building killed at least six other Hezbollah commanders. Aqil was inside having a meeting with other commanders when the missiles detonated, producing a huge explosion. During the attack, there were multiple explosions and a loud whistling sound.
According to Lebanese sources, the Israeli military claimed that during a meeting, Aqil, a senior commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit, and about ten other high-ranking commanders were killed. Aqil was a member of the highest-ranking military leadership within Hezbollah.
This airstrike deals Hezbollah yet another serious blow. It follows two days of attacks during which members' pagers and walkie-talkies exploded, killing 37 and injuring thousands. Israel has not acknowledged or denied its involvement in the attacks, despite the widespread belief that it is the cause of them.
Image source: The Financial Express
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