JERUSALEM. Hezbollah has confirmed the death of Nabil Kaouk, its deputy head of the Central Council, marking the seventh high-ranking commander killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes over the past week. Kaouk, a prominent figure within the organization since the 1980s, was killed on Saturday during a targeted strike by the Israeli military, dealing another devastating blow to the Iran-backed militant group.
The Israeli military reported that the airstrike, which took place in Beirut, was part of its ongoing campaign targeting Hezbollah’s leadership. Kaouk’s death follows the killing of Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a strike on Friday. In the same attack, senior commander Ali Karaki and at least 20 other Hezbollah militants were also killed. According to the Israeli military, one of the victims was a close associate responsible for Nasrallah’s security detail.
Ongoing Israeli Strikes and Hezbollah Retaliation
Israel’s military has intensified its operations against Hezbollah, launching airstrikes across Lebanon that have resulted in the deaths of more than 1,030 people, including 156 women and 87 children, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The attacks, which span much of Lebanon, have displaced hundreds of thousands of people, with government estimates suggesting over 250,000 individuals are now seeking shelter. Many more are residing with friends, and relatives, or camping out in the streets, Environment Minister Nasser Yassin told the Associated Press.
In response to these airstrikes, Hezbollah has continued launching rockets, missiles, and drones into northern Israel. Most of these attacks have been intercepted or have landed in open areas, and no Israeli casualties have been reported since the recent wave of strikes began on September 20.
Hezbollah’s Commanders Targeted
Among the notable commanders killed in the strikes was Ali Karaki, whose death was confirmed alongside Nasrallah’s on Friday. Karaki was present at an underground compound in Beirut, where senior Hezbollah leaders, including Nasrallah, were meeting when the Israeli military conducted a precision airstrike. Hezbollah acknowledged their losses, with the organization vowing to continue its resistance against Israel despite the significant blows to its leadership.
Nabil Kaouk, a veteran Hezbollah leader, played a critical role in Hezbollah’s military operations, particularly during the 2006 war with Israel when he served as the group’s commander in southern Lebanon. He was a familiar figure in Lebanese media, often providing commentary on political and security matters and delivering eulogies at the funerals of senior militants. In 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on Kaouk for his role in Hezbollah.
Regional Tensions and Growing Conflict
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated dramatically since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered the current war. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has been launching retaliatory strikes against Israel as part of what they call the “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of Iran-backed groups opposed to Israel.
The Israeli government has responded with a series of targeted airstrikes aimed at crippling Hezbollah’s leadership. These attacks have brought the region to the brink of a wider war, raising concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict. Israel, however, has reaffirmed its commitment to returning 60,000 citizens who were evacuated from northern communities nearly a year ago, despite the ongoing hostilities.
Hezbollah has stated that it will only cease its rocket fire if there is a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. However, efforts to broker a truce through indirect negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have so far proven unsuccessful.
As tensions rise and casualties mount, the conflict shows no signs of slowing, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
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.
