Israeli forces have reportedly eliminated Hashem Safieddine, a high-ranking Hezbollah official and likely successor to the group’s current leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Safieddine, cousin of Nasrallah, played a crucial role in Hezbollah’s political and military affairs. The airstrike, which struck Beirut’s southern suburbs, resulted in numerous casualties and caused extensive damage, according to Israeli sources cited by Reuters. However, both the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah have yet to release official statements on the matter.
Designated a terrorist by the US and Saudi Arabia in 2017, Safieddine was viewed as the “second-in-command” of Hezbollah and maintained strong ties with Iran. He also held a key position on Hezbollah’s Jihad Council, responsible for overseeing military operations. His death comes as Israel intensifies its military campaign against Hezbollah.
Additionally, the IDF announced the killing of Mahmoud Yusuf Anisi, a senior Hezbollah figure involved in the production of precision-guided missiles. Anisi, with over 15 years of experience in the group, was instrumental in developing Hezbollah’s missile capabilities in Lebanon.
As tensions escalate, US President Joe Biden expressed hope that a broader Middle East war could be averted, stating, “I don’t believe there will be an all-out war.” Meanwhile, approximately 1.2 million people have been displaced in Lebanon, and the US government has facilitated the evacuation of around 250 Americans and their families in recent days.
