Big news coming in from the Middle East! 🌍 The Israeli military has announced that Malek Balout, the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, was killed in an air strike targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut.
This operation is sparking a lot of conversation because it marks the first reported Israeli attack on Beirut since the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon officially took effect on April 16. While things have been relatively quiet in the capital, the tension remains high as Israeli troops are still deployed in southern Lebanon, where clashes have continued. 🚨
According to the Israeli military, Balout wasn't just any officer; he was a key figure who directed "dozens" of attacks against Israeli soldiers. The military's statement highlighted his role in coordinating anti-tank missile fire and the use of explosive devices, as well as his leadership in rehabilitating the elite Radwan unit. 🛡️
The news follows a joint statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who had previously mentioned an air strike targeting the commander without confirming if the mission was successful. Now, the military says the mission is complete.
As of right now, Hezbollah has not officially confirmed the report. With the regional situation remaining volatile, the world is watching closely to see how this development affects the fragile ceasefire. 💬✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
