Israel Bombs Beirut Suburb, Leaving Several Injured

The Israeli military launched an airstrike on Haret Hreik, one of the largest residential neighborhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Israeli army described this as a "precision strike" aimed at a Hezbollah commander.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the strike was in retaliation for an attack on the Golan Heights . This attack, which occurred on Saturday, tragically resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers. According to the IDF, the Hezbollah commander targeted in the strike was "responsible for the murder of the children in Majdal Shams and had killed many Israeli civilians." 

What is the Golan Heights and who controls it? The Golan Heights is a rocky plateau in southwestern Syria, internationally recognized as Syrian territory but occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War in 1967. The region, spanning 1,800 square kilometers, has been a flashpoint of conflict, most recently witnessing a deadly rocket attack on the Druze town of Majdal Shams, killing 12 and wounding 30. Israel accuses Hezbollah of the attack and has retaliated with missile strikes into Lebanon, raising fears of a broader conflict. Despite the UN's recognition of the Golan as Syrian, and global opposition to Israel's annexation, the US recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the area. The Golan Heights is vital for its fertile land and water resources and is home to a significant Druze community, who remain caught in the region's ongoing tensions.

Golan Heights | stock photo

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that two floors of a building in Haret Hreik have collapsed as a result of the bombing. This area is known to be a stronghold of Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group. Early reports indicate that one woman was killed, and at least seven people were injured in the densely populated neighborhood. The exact identity and status of the targeted Hezbollah commander remain unknown at this time.

Initial reports suggested that the target of the strike was Fuad Shukr, a senior adviser and a "number 2" figure in Hezbollah, also known as Hajj Mohsin. Al Arabiya and Reuters reported that the assassination attempt was unsuccessful and that Shukr survived the attack.

Shahan Kandaharian, editor-in-chief, publicist, and analyst of the Lebanese Aztag Daily, spoke to The Armenian Report from Lebanon. He mentioned that the area around a hospital in southern Beirut was hit. He noted that there is information about two fatalities and ten injuries. Kandaharian added, "There are political statements suggesting that if Hezbollah does not retaliate, the region might avoid a general war, but the details are unclear at the moment. We must follow the developments for further information."

The Armenian Report has also confirmed that no Armenians were harmed during the airstrike. This update provides some relief to the Armenian community in Lebanon, which numbers around 80,000 individuals.

In anticipation of potential attacks, Beirut's airport had canceled flights over the weekend due to fears of Israeli military action.