In a major military operation, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike on Hezbollah’s central headquarters in Beirut. The strike, carried out by Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft on Friday, marks the end of Nasrallah’s 32-year reign as co-founder and leader of the Lebanese militant group.
The IDF announced the successful operation on Saturday morning, confirming that Nasrallah was killed alongside Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s southern front, and other key Hezbollah leaders. The strike targeted Hezbollah’s underground command center, hidden beneath a residential building in the heart of Beirut’s southern suburbs, using precise intelligence gathered by Israeli defense forces.
IDF’s Strategic Strike on Hezbollah Leadership
“This is far from the last tool in our arsenal,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, following the announcement of Nasrallah’s death. “Those who threaten Israeli civilians will face us, whether in the North, South, or even in more distant locations. Our capabilities have been carefully prepared and implemented, and this is only the beginning.”
The IDF’s meticulously planned operation signals Israel’s readiness for future engagements as tensions rise with Hezbollah. Halevi emphasized that the military’s preparedness remains at the highest level, with coordination among all sectors to respond to further threats.
Hezbollah Confirms Nasrallah’s Death, Vows Continued Resistance
On Saturday, Hezbollah officially confirmed the death of its leader, pledging to continue its fight against Israel in defense of Lebanon and the Palestinian cause. Hezbollah’s media outlet, Al-Manar TV, began broadcasting Koranic verses shortly after Nasrallah’s death was made public.
Nasrallah’s Final Moments: Coordinating Attacks from Underground Command Center
At the time of the strike, Nasrallah and his top commanders were reportedly coordinating Hezbollah’s military operations against Israel from their fortified underground command center. Known for his role in orchestrating numerous attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers, Nasrallah led Hezbollah through decades of conflict, including its alliance with Hamas in the October 2023 Israel-Hamas War.
His death, along with that of his daughter Zainab, who was also reportedly killed in the same airstrike, marks a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership. Nasrallah’s 32-year legacy was defined by his efforts to solidify Hezbollah as a dominant force in the region, with ties to Iran and a reputation for targeting Israeli and international civilians through various terrorist attacks.
Who Were Hassan Nasrallah and Ali Karaki?
Hassan Nasrallah, born in 1960, became politically active in the 1970s, joining the Shia Dawa Party before co-founding Hezbollah in 1982 with Iranian backing. Rising quickly through the ranks, he became the group’s leader after the assassination of Abbas Musawi in 1992. Under his leadership, Hezbollah expanded its military capabilities, targeting Israeli forces and civilians in multiple conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War.
Ali Karaki, Hezbollah’s Southern Front commander since 2007, was responsible for leading military operations against Israel from southern Lebanon. He orchestrated rocket strikes, missile attacks, and drone assaults, embedding Hezbollah operatives within civilian areas to shield their operations. Karaki was a key figure in the Israel-Hamas War, directing attacks that caused significant damage in northern Israel.
Karaki’s extensive military experience spanned decades, including roles in Operation Defensive Shield and the 2006 Lebanon War, solidifying his place as one of Hezbollah’s top military strategists. His death, alongside Nasrallah, is expected to have a profound impact on Hezbollah’s military structure.