Hezbollah Confirms Death of Top Military Commander in Israeli Airstrike

Lebanese health officials reported at least 14 people killed and dozens more wounded following an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday, September 20, 2024. The rare strike targeted a densely populated neighborhood in southern Beirut, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Lebanon’s capital in decades.

The Israeli military confirmed that the strike, which hit the Dahiya district, killed Ibrahim Akil, a senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, along with 10 other Hezbollah operatives. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military’s chief spokesperson, stated, “We will continue pursuing our enemies to protect our citizens, even in Dahiya, in Beirut.” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the operation as part of “a new phase of war.”

Several hours later, Hezbollah confirmed Akil’s death, referring to him as “a great jihadist leader.” In a statement, the group hailed Akil’s life as one marked by “jihad, sacrifice, and victory” and praised his contributions to Hezbollah’s military efforts. Akil was a prominent figure on Hezbollah’s Jihad Council and had been sanctioned by the United States for his involvement in the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy and Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, which claimed over 300 lives. In 2023, the U.S. State Department had offered a $7 million reward for information leading to his capture or conviction.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the airstrike leveled an apartment building where Akil was reportedly meeting with other militants. At least 66 others were injured, with nine in critical condition.

This escalation came after Hezbollah fired 140 rockets into northern Israel earlier the same day, as tensions between the two enemies rose. The rocket barrage followed a promise of retaliation by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah after a series of explosions involving Hezbollah’s communication devices earlier in the week.

The latest strike has intensified fears of a broader conflict erupting in the region, as both sides continue to exchange heavy fire amid ongoing hostilities.