Israel strikes Beirut, killing a high-ranking Hezbollah commander.

Illustration photo: Reuters.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing black smoke rising from the southern suburbs of Beirut, considered the stronghold of Hezbollah, at around 4:40 p.m. local time on January 30.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the airstrike killed Fuad Shukr, whom he accused of "being involved in numerous attacks affecting Israelis."

Mr. Gallant emphasized: "Tonight, we have made the message clear that the lives of our people matter, and that there is no place in the world beyond the Israeli forces' ability to ensure that the attackers pay the price."

Hezbollah has not yet issued an official response. The organization had previously denied allegations of involvement in Saturday's missile attack on the Golan Heights that killed 12 teenagers on a football pitch in the Druze village of Majdal Shams.

A senior security source from another region confirmed that Shukr, Hezbollah's top military commander, was killed in the airstrike. The Israeli military said Shukr was the highest-ranking advisor to Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and was behind the July 27 attack.

Security and medical sources said the Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut also killed three civilians, including two children.

Lebanese TV channel Al Manar, citing the national health ministry, reported that 74 people were injured and 3 were killed in an attack on the Shura Council building, a ruling body of Hezbollah, in the Haret Hreik area.

Reuters footage showed a heavily damaged high-rise building in the suburbs, with charred debris scattered in the streets. Crowds had gathered to chant in support of Hezbollah leaders.

Hezbollah denied any involvement in the attack on the Golan Heights but said it had launched missiles at several military targets there. The killing of the teenagers on July 27 triggered a series of diplomatic efforts by Western countries to avoid escalating the conflict in the Middle East.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator, called on all parties to remain calm and seek a diplomatic solution to end the hostilities.

The July 30 airstrike led to widespread condemnation from Lebanese officials and regional allies of Hezbollah, such as Hamas in Gaza, the Houthi in Yemen, Syria, and Iran.

The White House reiterated its commitment to protecting Israel's security against "any Iranian-backed threat, including Hezbollah," and said it is seeking a diplomatic solution.

The Israeli military said it had not issued any new directives regarding civil defense, a sign that Israel has no plans for further attacks. Israeli media quoted an official as saying Israel does not want a large-scale war.

Israeli media reported that, depending on Hezbollah's response, the Israeli military might consider the Beirut airstrike as the final development in its retaliations for the attack on the Golan Heights.

Concerns about escalation

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said the government condemned the Israeli airstrike and would file a complaint with the UN. He expressed hope that Hezbollah's response would not escalate the situation.

"Hopefully, the retaliatory measures will be proportionate and not go any further, so that this series of airstrikes, shelling, and killings can end," the Lebanese Foreign Minister declared.

Hours before the airstrike, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he was concerned about the risk of escalation but believed that conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could be avoided.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in continuous cross-border fighting since the Gaza war broke out in October 2023. Both sides have tried to avoid escalating the conflict, although there have been concerns about the risk of war.

Nguyen Quang Minh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/israel-khong-kich-beirut-tieu-diet-chi-huy-cap-cao-hezbollah-204240731095037671.htm