Hezbollah Spokesman Killed in Israeli Strike in Central Beirut
Lebanese Security Source Confirms Death
A Lebanese security source has confirmed that Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif was killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday in central Beirut, which hit the Lebanese branch of the Syrian Baath party. The strike occurred in the Ras al-Nabaa area, near the French embassy and a university.
Details of the Strike
According to the security source, the strike on Ras al-Nabaa killed Hezbollah media relations official Mohammed Afif. The source requested anonymity as they were not authorized to brief the media. Ali Hijazi, secretary-general of the Lebanese branch of the Baath party, confirmed the death of Hezbollah media official Afif, as reported by the official National News Agency.
Israeli Army Refuses to Comment
The Israeli army declined to comment on the strike. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the strike killed one person and wounded three others, with the toll being provisional and work ongoing to remove rubble from the site of the strike.
Afif’s Role in Hezbollah
Afif had been responsible for Hezbollah’s media relations for years, providing information to local and foreign journalists under the cover of anonymity. He had held several press conferences in Beirut’s southern suburbs since the assassination of longtime Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in late September.
Previous Press Conferences
In one such event last month, Afif announced that Hezbollah had launched a drone targeting the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That press conference was cut short when the Israeli army warned it would strike a building nearby.
Aftermath of the Strike
The NNA reported that the strike by “enemy aircraft” caused “great destruction”, with an unspecified number of people trapped under the rubble in Ras al-Nabaa. It also reported that one of the residents of a neighboring building had received a warning call urging evacuation, but it was not taken seriously.
Conclusion
The killing of Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif in an Israeli strike in central Beirut highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The strike has caused great destruction and loss of life, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
FAQs
Q: Who was Mohammed Afif?
A: Mohammed Afif was the Hezbollah spokesman and media relations official.
Q: Where did the strike occur?
A: The strike occurred in the Ras al-Nabaa area, near the French embassy and a university in central Beirut.
Q: How many people were killed or wounded in the strike?
A: According to Lebanon’s health ministry, one person was killed and three others were wounded in the strike.
Q: Has the Israeli army commented on the strike?
A: No, the Israeli army has declined to comment on the strike.