Israel strikes Beirut killing at least 12 people

On September 20, an Israeli airstrike targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and injuring 66 others, with nine in critical condition. The strike occurred during rush hour, affecting civilians as they were leaving work and students returning home. The Israeli military confirmed that the operation was a targeted strike aimed at eliminating Ibrahim Aqil, the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit, along with other senior members of the group. This military action marked the first Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital in several months and followed a series of rocket attacks from Hezbollah into Israel, which included 140 rockets launched in three waves. The Israeli military responded by targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon, although specific details regarding the damage were not disclosed. The escalation in hostilities comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly following a mass attack on communication devices used by Hezbollah members. The leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, had promised retaliation for these attacks, which may have contributed to the timing of the Israeli strike. Iran's embassy in Lebanon condemned the airstrike, labeling it an act of aggression against residential areas. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in a cycle of retaliation, raising concerns about further escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.