The assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli airstrikes marks a significant escalation in the Middle Eastern conflict, with massive repercussions yet to unfold.
At a Glance
- Massive Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
- The strike targeted an underground Hezbollah compound in Dahiyeh, a predominantly Shiite suburb in southern Beirut.
- Multiple high-rise apartment towers were leveled, causing significant destruction.
- Residents heard up to 10 explosions, and the area affected was larger than a city block.
- Israel released videos showing at least eight F-15I warplanes involved in the strike.
Operation “New Order” Targets Hezbollah Command Center
The Israeli Air Force executed Operation “New Order” on September 27, 2024, with the 69th Squadron deploying F-15I Ra’am jets. These jets were equipped with GPS-aided GBU-31(V)3/B JDAM bunker-buster bombs specifically aimed at Hezbollah’s fortified underground command center in Beirut’s Dahiyeh area. The mission eliminated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his deputy Ali Karaki, significantly weakening the organization’s leadership.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcDAVZz8_MY
The precision strike resulted in significant destruction, leveling multiple high-rise apartment buildings and impacting an area larger than a city block. Onlookers reported hearing up to 10 explosions. These events have caused considerable emotional distress among the residents as they search for missing relatives.
https://twitter.com/SputnikInt/status/1840067280652156960
Significant Blow to Hezbollah and Iran’s Proxies
The operation delivered a decisive blow to Hezbollah by removing Nasrallah, a leader with significant experience and influence in the region. This incident serves as a substantial message to Iran and other proxies in the region. The bombs used, identified as 2,000-pound BLU-109 penetrator bombs with JDAM precision guidance, were recently delivered to Israel by the U.S. The Israeli military also released tapes of radio communications from the operation, highlighting the strategic planning involved.
“Hezbollah’s ability to rebuild after this strike is severely compromised. This operation marks a turning point in Israel’s strategy,” Reuters reported.
The missiles used in the operation were specifically chosen for their ability to penetrate deeply hidden bunkers. Israel’s release of videos showcasing eight F-15I warplanes highlights the coordinated effort, aiming to demonstrate their military capability and resolve.
The Israeli military announced it killed another high-ranking Hezbollah with a precision strike, continuing Israel's onslaught against the Iranian-backed terrorist organization in Lebanon. | @jameslynch32 https://t.co/lqGCxICnKr
— National Review (@NRO) September 29, 2024
Impacts and Reactions
In the aftermath of the strike, Hezbollah supporters expressed a mix of continued moral support and anger. Six deaths and dozens of injuries have been confirmed so far, with many still missing. Hezbollah operatives were seen excavating the targeted site, though state security and investigators were notably absent. The situation remains tense as residents and onlookers process the extensive damage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered the strike to prevent Nasrallah from reconstituting Hezbollah’s command and capabilities. This stark escalation could further deteriorate regional stability. Experts are closely monitoring the situation, suggesting the assassination could provoke retaliatory actions potentially leading to widespread conflict in the region.
