Israeli forces have launched an airstrike in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Three people including two children were killed. At least 74 others were injured. Rescue operations are ongoing in the rubble. The number of casualties is expected to increase.
The attack happened around 7:30 pm local time on Tuesday (July 30). Al-Jazeera, a Qatar-based media outlet, reported the news.
Lebanon's health ministry said three people, including two children, have been killed and 74 injured in an Israeli attack in a southern suburb of Beirut. Among them is a woman, a girl and a boy. Besides, the search for missing persons under the rubble continues.
Witnesses said a loud explosion occurred around 7:40 p.m. Tuesday in an area known as a stronghold of the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Then smoke is seen.
Citing Hizbullah sources, Al-Jazeera reported that the attack was carried out with the intention of killing Hizbullah's senior commander Muhsin Shokar. However, Hezbollah claims that he survived the attack. However, the location of the commander is yet to be confirmed.
Three days ago, at least 12 people were killed in a rocket attack on the city of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Among the dead were several children. Israel is attacking Lebanon in response. However, Hezbollah denied involvement in the attack.
Israel has acknowledged the attack on Lebanon. In this incident, the Israeli Defense Minister praised the country's army. The defense minister said, "Tonight we have shown that the blood of our people is worth it. At the same time, our forces have proved that there is no place beyond their reach.
Lebanon's national media say the airstrikes targeted Hezbollah's Sura Council in Haret Hari, a suburb of the capital. In a statement, the Israeli army said that the airstrikes targeting the commander of Hezbullah must bear the responsibility for the civilian casualties.