Top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut, according to two security sources cited by Reuters. Aqil, also known as Tahsin, was a designated global terrorist by the US for his alleged role in the 1983 US embassy bombings and US Marine barracks attacks in Beirut. The airstrike also targeted members of the Hezbollah elite Radwan unit. The US justice department is offering a $7 million reward for information on Aqil.
In response to the escalating tensions, US President Joe Biden emphasized the need for a ceasefire deal in Gaza and Lebanon, urging for the safety of residents in both regions. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the death of Aqil and his associates in the strike, stating it was a precise operation targeting Hezbollah militants.
The Iranian embassy in Lebanon condemned Israel’s attacks on Beirut, calling it “madness and arrogance” and expressing solidarity with Lebanon. The strike in Beirut resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and injuries to nearly 60 people, with reports of five children among the casualties.
Furthermore, the UK government is scrutinizing contingency plans for evacuating British nationals from Lebanon amidst the hostilities. In a joint letter, 25 organizations called on the UK to suspend its trade agreement with Israel due to violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the number of rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, with figures ranging from 140 to 150 rockets.
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