Israel airstrikes suburbs of Lebanon's capital, 1 Hezbollah commander killed

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on the morning of July 31 that Hezbollah's senior commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an airstrike on the outskirts of Lebanon's capital Beirut. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati immediately protested the Israeli attack and convened an emergency cabinet meeting that day.

The IDF said Mr. Shukr, also known as Hajj Mohsin, was a member of the Holy War Council, Hezbollah's highest military body, and Hezbollah's most senior military commander.

Shukr is also wanted by the US for his role in the 1983 bombing of a US Marine barracks in Beirut, with a $5 million bounty on his head. The IDF says Shukr has directed Hezbollah attacks on Israel since October 7, including the latest rocket attack on the village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights that killed 12 children.

Hezbollah's top military commander Fuad Shukr and the scene of the attack. Photo: TIMES NOW

According to the Times of Israel, Fuad Shukr, considered by Israel to be the "right-hand man" of leader Hassan Nasrallah, is also wanted by the US for his role in the 1983 barracks bombing.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health confirmed that an Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in Beirut killed one person and injured 68, including five in critical condition. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV reported that 17 of the injured were taken to the private Bahman Hospital, while 14 were taken to Hezbollah's Rasoul Aazam Hospital.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has denounced Israel’s attack, calling it a violation of international law. He also called on the international community to hold Israel accountable, end its violence, and implement international resolutions; and convened an emergency cabinet meeting on July 31.

In Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said that Israel's attack on the Hezbollah commander in Lebanon would lead to a vicious cycle of violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the time the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an attack in Beirut targeting a Hezbollah commander. Photo: ISRAEL PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

The United Nations (UN) Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, stressed that there is no military solution to the current conflict. At the same time, she called on both Israel and Lebanon to utilize all diplomatic avenues to pursue a cessation of hostilities and recommit to implementing UN resolution 1701 (2006).

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/israel-khong-kich-ngoai-o-thu-do-cua-lebanon-1-chi-huy-hezbollah-thiet-mang-post751830.html