Hezbollah chief’s close aide killed in israel strike on Beirut
Beirut: In a major escalation following the Iran ceasefire developments, Israel has carried out a targeted strike in Beirut, killing a close aide of Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the strike took place on Thursday in Beirut, where Ali Youssef Harshi—described as the personal secretary and nephew of Naim Qassem—was killed. The Israeli military stated that Harshi was a key associate and advisor to the Hezbollah leader and played a crucial role in managing his office and security.
The attack reportedly occurred in the Talet al-Khayat neighbourhood, outside Hezbollah’s stronghold in Dahiyeh. Visuals from the scene indicate that a multi-storey building was partially destroyed in the strike, highlighting the intensity of the operation.
Israel claimed that Harshi was deeply involved in Hezbollah’s internal coordination and security mechanisms, making him a significant target. The strike is seen as part of Israel’s continued offensive against Hezbollah despite broader ceasefire announcements in the region.
In parallel operations, the IDF said it also targeted key infrastructure used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This included two central crossings over the Litani River, which were allegedly used to transport weapons, rockets, and launchers into the region.
Additionally, Israeli forces claimed to have struck around 10 weapons depots, rocket launchers, and operational headquarters linked to Hezbollah across southern Lebanon.
The developments underline the fragile nature of the ceasefire in the Middle East, as military operations continue in Lebanon even as diplomatic efforts persist elsewhere. The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation in the region.
