The confirmation comes after Israel announced that Aqil and about ten militia leaders were killed in the attack. Lebanese security sources also reported that Aqil was killed.

He is said to have been the commander of the Radwan Force, an elite unit of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. He was reportedly second in command to Fuad Shukr, who was killed in a similar attack in July.

In a statement, Hezbollah described Aqil as a “great jihadist leader” who “joined the procession of his great martyred brothers.”

14 dead

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that the total death toll in the attack is rising. So far, 14 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 60 others have been injured.

Save the Children's country director in Lebanon, Jennifer Moorehead, wrote on messaging service X that five children were said to have been killed in the attack.

A thick cloud of smoke was seen over the Lebanese capital on Friday and residents in the southern suburb said they heard a loud bang.

Rockets against Israel

A video clip showing smoke rising after the attack was circulated on social media. The Lebanese Al-Mayadeen TV channel reported that a drone fired several missiles at the densely populated suburb.

– We will continue to pursue our enemies to defend our citizens, even in the Beirut suburb, says Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant.

He describes the attack, which he says targeted Aqeel, as part of a “new phase of the war.”

The Israeli attack came after Hezbollah fired at least 140 rockets at targets in northern Israel earlier on Friday.