ALBAWABA - Israeli airstrikes destroyed an eight-story residential building in central Beirut early Saturday with five missiles. As Israel and Hezbollah enter their third month of conflict, the attack apparently targeted top Hezbollah leader Talal Hamieh.
Lebanese National News Agency: The strike occurred in central Beirut's Basta district, leaving rescue crews looking for casualties in the rubble. The strike killed four and injured 23, according to Hezbollah-linked media citing Lebanon's Ministry of Health.
The strike targeted Hezbollah operations chief Mohammed Haidar, known as "Abu Ali," according to Israeli media.
After the central Beirut strike, Israeli soldiers bombed Hadath near the Lebanese University in southern Beirut hours later.
On X (previously Twitter), Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee advised Hadath, Choueifat, and Amrousieh residents to evacuate immediately. He encouraged citizens to keep at least 500 meters away from Hezbollah-related installations scheduled for bombardment.
According to reports, the central Beirut strike targeted Hezbollah leader Talal Hamieh, head of Unit 910, its external operations division. The US has long sought Hamieh, offering a $7 million reward for his capture.
Television video showed one building collapsed and nearby structures damaged. Strong explosions rattled Beirut around 4:00 AM local time, witnesses said. The strike employed at least four missiles, according to security officials.
This is the fourth Israeli strike on central Beirut in recent days, with most operations targeting Hezbollah strongholds in the south. IDF airstrikes near Ras Al-Nabaa killed Hezbollah's media relations officer on Sunday.
Israel launched its Hezbollah operation in September, about a year after the Gaza war escalated. The current escalation began after Hezbollah attacked in support with Hamas after its October 7, 2023, strike on southern Israel.
US ambassador Amos Hochstein visited Lebanon and Israel to arrange a ceasefire. Hochstein indicated progress after meeting with Beirut officials and Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.
