BEIRUT. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, the Iran-backed group confirmed on Saturday. Nasrallah’s death marks a significant blow to Hezbollah and Iran, as the group’s leadership faces a series of intense Israeli military attacks.
In a statement, Hezbollah acknowledged the loss of its leader but vowed to continue its struggle against Israel, “in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable people.” The group did not provide specific details about the circumstances surrounding Nasrallah’s death.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating that it was a “targeted operation” that hit Hezbollah’s underground headquarters located beneath a residential building in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut heavily controlled by the group. According to the Israeli military, Nasrallah and another senior Hezbollah leader, Ali Karaki, were killed, along with several commanders.
“The strike was conducted while Hezbollah’s senior chain of command was operating from the headquarters and advancing terrorist activities against the citizens of the State of Israel,” the Israeli military said.
Nasrallah’s death comes after two weeks of escalating conflict for Hezbollah, which has faced severe Israeli airstrikes and attacks on its communication systems. The situation has further destabilized Lebanon, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across the country.
On Friday, the powerful airstrike in Dahiyeh sent shockwaves through Beirut, leaving a massive crater at least 20 meters (65 feet) deep, according to Lebanese security sources. The attacks continued on Saturday with additional strikes on Dahiyeh and other areas in Lebanon, lighting up the night sky with massive explosions.
In response, Hezbollah fired rockets across the border into Israel, triggering alarms and forcing residents to seek shelter. Israeli missile defenses intercepted several rockets, and there were no immediate reports of casualties on either side.
The ongoing escalation has fueled fears that the conflict could widen, potentially involving Hezbollah’s principal backer, Iran, and possibly drawing in the United States. In southern Beirut, residents have begun fleeing the Dahiyeh area, seeking refuge in downtown Beirut and other safer locations.
“Yesterday’s strikes were unbelievable. We had fled before and then went back to our homes, but the bombing got more and more intense, so we came here, waiting for Netanyahu to stop the bombing,” said Dalal Daher, a resident speaking near Beirut’s Martyrs Square, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
As tensions continue to rise, the region remains on edge, with the potential for further military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. Nasrallah’s death marks a turning point in the ongoing conflict, leaving uncertainty over Hezbollah’s next moves and the broader impact on Lebanon and the Middle East.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
