The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated further on Saturday with the news of another Israeli airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon. This attack claimed the life of a prominent Hezbollah commander, Ahmed Mahmud Wahbi, adding to the already significant casualty count from Friday’s strike. With Wahbi’s death, the total number of Hezbollah members killed in Friday’s attack has risen to 16.
Just weeks ago, on September 20, Israel launched a similar strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting the head of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil, and several other commanders. This latest airstrike comes in the wake of alleged Israeli “technological warfare” against Hezbollah, involving the detonation of their pagers and walkie-talkies, resulting in 37 deaths and thousands of injuries.
Ahmed Wahbi, the latest victim of the Israeli strikes, was known for his significant role within Hezbollah. He served as the head of the group’s “central training unit” and was also a prominent commander in the elite Radwan Force. Like many other Hezbollah members, Wahbi participated in the Syrian civil war, fighting alongside the Assad regime.
The impact of Friday’s airstrike on Beirut was devastating, leaving a massive crater and significant damage to the lower floors of a high-rise building, as reported by AFP journalists. This marks the second Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah’s military leadership since the outbreak of the Gaza war. In July, an Israeli strike on Beirut claimed the life of Fuad Shukr, a senior operations chief for the movement.
Following the attack, the Israeli military asserted that it conducted a “targeted strike” against Ibrahim Aqil. However, sources close to Hezbollah reported a higher casualty toll, suggesting that 16 members of the Radwan Force were killed in the attack.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, representing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urged “maximum restraint” from all parties involved, highlighting the need for de-escalation in the region.
