Official statements from the Israeli Defense Forces or verified reports from major news agencies

Israeli Airstrikes Hit Hezbollah Sites in Beirut, Destroy Intelligence HQ; Three Commanders Killed

Oct 20, 2024, 11:14 AM

Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut, Lebanon, over the past two days. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they struck a Hezbollah intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons manufacturing site in the Dahieh suburbs, including the Al-Dahieh and Haret Hreik neighborhoods, strongholds of the militant group. The IDF stated that prior to the strikes, they issued evacuation warnings to civilians in the area and warned residents to evacuate additional neighborhoods to mitigate harm. Significant damage has been reported, with residential buildings in areas such as Haret Hreik and Chiyah turned to rubble. One of the strikes hit near the main entrance of the Al-Manar TV headquarters, a media outlet affiliated with Hezbollah. Reports indicate that at least three senior Hezbollah officials, including Alhaj Abbas Salameh, were killed in the strikes. Israeli airstrikes have also targeted underground Hezbollah bunkers and positions near Beirut International Airport. The attacks mark the first on Hezbollah's main stronghold in three days and are part of ongoing efforts to target the group's military capabilities. Hezbollah has not confirmed the casualties. The situation continues to develop as the Israeli Air Force conducts further operations against Hezbollah assets in Lebanon.