BTN News: An Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut has left at least 37 people dead and 68 others wounded, marking one of the deadliest attacks since the beginning of border clashes between Israel and Hizbullah nearly a year ago. Among the dead are high-ranking Hizbullah officials, civilians, and children, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. As the situation escalates, tensions between Israel and Hizbullah threaten to ignite further conflict in the region. The attack targeted a residential building in Dahye, a Hizbullah stronghold, causing widespread destruction and grief.
Airstrike Devastates Beirut Suburb: 37 Dead, Including Civilians and Fighters
On Friday, a powerful Israeli airstrike struck a residential building in Dahye, a predominantly Hizbullah-controlled area in southern Beirut. The death toll, initially reported as 31, has since risen to 37, according to an updated statement from Lebanon’s Ministry of Health. Among the victims were three children and seven women, with officials warning that the final number could still rise as many injured remain in critical condition.
Hospitals in the capital have been overwhelmed, with more than 2,000 surgeries performed in the wake of the attack. Minister of Health, Firas Abiad, shared these alarming statistics during a press briefing, emphasizing that several bodies still remain unidentified.
Senior Hizbullah Commanders Among the Dead
In a significant blow to the Shiite militia, Hizbullah confirmed the deaths of two senior commanders, Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmed Wahbi, from their elite Forces Radwan unit. Both commanders were reportedly targeted during the strike and are being hailed by the group as “martyrs on the path to liberating Jerusalem.”
The deaths of Aqil and Wahbi, along with 14 other Hizbullah fighters, were announced in a series of statements by the group. The statements, accompanied by the photographs and brief biographies of the fallen fighters, offered little information about their roles in the militia but underscored the gravity of the attack for Hizbullah’s leadership.
Wave of Explosions Add to Chaos in Beirut
Adding to the destruction, the Lebanese capital has been rocked by a series of secondary explosions involving buscapersonas (pagers) and walkie-talkies. These devices, which were reportedly used by Hizbullah members, have been mysteriously detonating over the last three days, causing further casualties and confusion.
Minister Abiad revealed that these explosions had claimed a total of 70 lives since the beginning of the week, a number that includes both the airstrike victims and those injured by the detonation of the devices. While Hizbullah has blamed Israel for the explosions, no official confirmation has been provided by Israeli authorities.
Rising Tensions and Growing Fears of Retaliation
The airstrike has sparked fears of escalation between Hizbullah and Israel, with both sides trading accusations. Hizbullah has vowed to retaliate for what they called an “Israeli assassination plot” aimed at destabilizing their leadership and weakening their hold over southern Beirut. The attack has marked a significant rise in violence since the border conflict reignited almost a year ago, leading to concerns that a full-scale war may be imminent.
In response, Israel has stated that its actions were a direct reaction to Hizbullah’s involvement in cross-border attacks, though it has yet to comment on the latest airstrike in Dahye. Meanwhile, international leaders are calling for restraint, fearing that the ongoing conflict could spill over into neighboring regions.
Hospitals Struggle to Cope with Injuries Amid Crisis
As the Lebanese healthcare system grapples with the surge in casualties, hospitals in Beirut are operating beyond capacity. Over 2,000 surgeries have already been performed, with resources stretched thin. Many patients are in critical condition, and the death toll is expected to climb further.
Minister Abiad emphasized the strain on medical facilities, calling for international assistance to manage the overwhelming number of injuries. “We are doing everything we can, but we urgently need support,” he said, urging neighboring countries and global health organizations to offer aid.
Conclusion: Beirut in Mourning Amid Rising Uncertainty
As Beirut mourns the lives lost in the devastating airstrike, uncertainty looms over what comes next. With Hizbullah vowing revenge and Israel showing no signs of backing down, the region remains on edge. The death of high-ranking Hizbullah officials further complicates the fragile situation, making future retaliation almost certain.
The people of Beirut, particularly in the Dahye suburb, are left to rebuild their lives amid a climate of fear and instability, wondering how much more destruction lies ahead.
