What happened
An Israeli air strike early Monday targeted an upper floor of an apartment building in the Kola district of Beirut, marking the first instance of hostilities within Beirut’s city limits amid escalating tensions, according to Reuters witnesses.
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah confirmed via their Telegram channel that Israel had executed the attack in Kola. This statement follows the recent targeted strike by the IAF that resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Why it matters
This strike signifies a notable escalation in Israel’s defensive measures against Hezbollah, responding to growing threats and activities by the militant group within Lebanon. Targeting Kola, a district within Beirut’s city limits, underscores Israel’s commitment to addressing security threats beyond traditional combat zones.
Sights and Sounds from the Ground
Reuters witnesses reported a loud bang accompanied by smoke emanating from a hole in the targeted upper floor of the building. This effectively demonstrated the precision nature of the strike.
Context
KAN News posted a video showing the aftermath, where the neighborhood gathered amidst the debris while sirens blared in the background.
Continued Actions
On Sunday night, the IDF announced ongoing strikes against Hezbollah terror targets in the Beqaa region of southern Lebanon, highlighting Israel’s broader efforts to counter Hezbollah’s militant operations.
Conclusion
This is an ongoing story with further developments expected. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds. Israel remains steadfast in protecting its national security through decisive actions against recognized terror threats.
This story was first published on jpost.com.