Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group confirmed on Saturday that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in a southern suburb of Beirut.
The assassination of the powerful figure, a founding member of Hezbollah, has sent shockwaves throughout the region.
Nasrallah, a decades-long target of Israel, was killed during a meeting of Hezbollah leaders in Dahiyeh, south of Beirut.
The Israeli military said it conducted a precise airstrike on the location.
Following the confirmation, widespread mourning erupted across Lebanon. Supporters of Nasrallah took to the streets, firing into the air and expressing grief.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported six deaths and 91 injuries in the airstrikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the targeting of Nasrallah, stating it was essential for achieving Israel’s goals.
He warned of “significant challenges” ahead, particularly with the threat of retaliation from Hezbollah and Iran.
Hezbollah, vowing to continue its “holy war” against Israel, condemned the assassination and pledged to retaliate.
The group’s allies, including Hamas and Iran, also expressed condolences and condemned the attack.
The killing of Nasrallah comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
The two sides have been engaged in cross-border strikes, with Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel in support of Gaza and Israel targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands of Lebanese and Israelis, and the humanitarian situation in the region continues to deteriorate.