With the killing of Hezbollah leader Ibrahim Akil, the Israeli military claims to have captured one of the masterminds behind a planned attack on northern Israel similar to the one Hamas was behind.
The same group confirmed that Aqil, the commander of an elite division in the Hezbollah militia, was killed in an Israeli attack on the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday.
This confirmation comes after Israel announced that Aqil and about ten militia leaders were killed in the attack. Lebanese security sources also reported the death of Aqil (61 years old).
He is said to have been the commander of the Radwan Force, an elite unit of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. Aqeel was allegedly 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.”
– Like October 7
Aqeel was on the United States' most wanted list, and the country's foreign ministry had promised a reward of up to $7 million – the equivalent of more than 70 million Norwegian kroner – for information leading to his capture.
The Israeli military has identified Ibrahim Akil as one of the masterminds behind what it claims is a Hezbollah plan to attack northern Israel, the German news agency reported.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari claims that Hezbollah was planning a devastating attack similar to the one Hamas was behind last year.
According to the spokesman, Hezbollah intends to take control of communities in the Galilee region in the north of the country and kill and kidnap Israeli civilians, “like what Hamas did on October 7.”
It is not known what the basis for the Israeli army's claims is.
14 dead and more than 60 injured
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Health Ministry said the total death toll from Friday's Beirut attack was the same. So far, 14 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 60 others 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.
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