An Israeli airstrike on Sunday night is believed to have targeted a senior Hezbollah military commander in the Mar Elias neighborhood of Beirut, Lebanon. The commander, who headed the operations department for Hezbollah’s “Southern Front,” was reportedly killed in the attack according to unverified reports. However, some local reports from Lebanon state that the target was Mohammed Takush, the secretary general of the Al-Jama’a Al-Islamiya organization.
The airstrike hit a vehicle and an apartment in the busy Mar Elias district, according to reports from Israeli Army Radio. Footage from the scene shows a fire engulfing the area, with smoke billowing into the evening sky.
BREAKING 🚨
Tonight’s strike in Beirut, unusually outside the Da’ahiah area, targeted the head of Hezbollah’s “Southern Front” operations department. This military commander, who rose to prominence in the organization’s hierarchy following the elimination of senior leaders,… https://t.co/AbFeO8hu5f
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 17, 2024
Very large targeted strike reported. A possible targeted elimination pic.twitter.com/kp2gxK1vfi
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 17, 2024
Witnesses described significant damage to the immediate vicinity, though there was no official word on additional casualties. There was no Israeli evacuation warning before the strike.
The targeted commander was a key figure in Hezbollah’s military hierarchy, rising to prominence after the elimination of several senior leaders. His role included overseeing military operations along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel, an area that has seen heightened tensions and frequent cross-border exchanges in recent weeks.
This strike is part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities amid escalating hostilities in the region. The Israel Defense Forces have increased airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut and southern Lebanon as the group continues to launch attacks on northern Israeli towns and military positions.
The Southern Front commander’s death deals a significant blow to Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, as the group’s leadership has been targeted systematically by Israeli forces. This comes on the heels of previous strikes on high-profile figures, including Hezbollah’s media chief Mohammad Afif, killed earlier in the month.
