The Israel Defense Forces conducted a targeted missile strike in Beirut, Lebanon, on Ibrahim Aqil, a member of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council. Aqil was wanted by the United States for his alleged involvement in the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marines barracks in Beirut and the taking of American hostages during the 1980s. Israeli officials confirmed the airstrike, stating that Aqil, the Head of Hezbollah’s Operations Unit, was eliminated in Beirut. The strike also killed other senior operatives from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah officials confirmed that the missile struck a building in the Dahiya district where Aqil was believed to be. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the targets of the airstrikes were clear and emphasized that the actions taken were justified. The attack killed at least nine individuals, wounded around 60 others, and flattened two apartment buildings in the area. According to the Israeli government, the targeted individuals were involved in planning Hezbollah’s ‘Conquer the Galilee’ attack plan, which aimed to infiltrate Israeli communities and harm civilians.
The IDF’s recent aggressiveness towards Hezbollah has escalated with this strike, which followed previous attacks on infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon. Earlier in the week, Israeli security forces remotely detonated electronic devices used by Hezbollah members, resulting in casualties. These actions are part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist group. The Israeli government stated that the recent strikes were based on intelligence and aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s operational capabilities and preventing future attacks against Israel.
The airstrike on Beirut has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the already tense region. Lebanese health officials reported casualties from the strike, sparking reactions from various parties. The Israeli government defended its actions, emphasizing the importance of targeting individuals involved in planning terrorist activities against Israel. The strike is seen as part of Israel’s efforts to eliminate threats posed by terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, which has a history of attacks against Israeli and American interests.
The Israeli government’s social media post claimed that justice was served with the elimination of Ibrahim Aqil in Beirut. The strike was described as a surgical airstrike on a targeted individual, aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s activities and preventing future attacks. The Israeli Prime Minister expressed determination in targeting clear objectives and eliminating threats to Israeli communities. Hezbollah’s confirmation of the strike on Aqil’s location in Beirut highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist group, raising concerns about potential consequences in the region.
