Beirut airstrike, Israel kills commander of Hezbollah elite unit in Lebanon, US confirms no prior warning

According to AP, a source close to Hezbollah confirmed that an Israeli airstrike on September 20 killed the commander of the organization's elite Radwan unit.

Residents and military personnel inspect the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, September 20. (Source: Reuters)

According to an anonymous source, the person killed was Ibrahim Aqil - commander of the Radwan force and deputy commander of Hezbollah's armed forces.

Aqil is believed to be the deputy of Fuad Shukr - who was killed by Israel in an airstrike in July 2024, also in the Hezbollah stronghold of South Beirut.

On the Israeli side, the country's military confirmed that it had carried out a "targeted attack" on the Lebanese capital Beirut, but did not provide further details.

Two security sources revealed that the southern suburbs of Beirut were targeted.

“The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) carried out a targeted attack in Beirut. At this time, there are no changes to the Home Front Command’s defense guidance,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

Hezbollah's al-Manar TV channel also reported “an attack” targeting the area.

Locals reported hearing a loud explosion. A thick cloud of smoke was visible in the Lebanese capital, Reuters reported.

The airstrike comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed forces in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed that he did not see any notification from Israel to the US before the airstrikes on Beirut on September 20, and advised Americans not to travel to Lebanon or leave if they are in the country.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Kirby declined to comment on the latest Israeli airstrikes, but reiterated that the administration of US President Joe Biden is seeking to avoid escalating tensions in the region.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/khong-kich-beirut-israel-ha-sat-chi-huy-don-vi-tinh-nhue-cua-hezbollah-tai-lebanon-my-khang-dinh-khong-duoc-bao-truoc-287101.html