Hundreds of Beirut residents fled their homes on Sunday as multiple explosions rocked the Lebanese capital. The blasts, linked to Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah’s financial operations, left parts of Beirut engulfed in dense black smoke.
Reuters witnesses reported at least 10 blasts across the city, with a building in the Chiyah neighborhood reduced to rubble. Thankfully, the few people in the area had evacuated before the explosion occurred.
The Israeli military announced that it would commence attacks on infrastructure associated with the Hezbollah Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association, urging residents to vacate affected zones immediately. Al-Qard al-Hassan, which the U.S. has identified as being used by Iran-backed Hezbollah to manage its finances, operates over 30 branches across Lebanon, including 15 in densely populated parts of central Beirut and its suburbs.
While the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have yet to comment on the attacks, a senior Israeli intelligence official stated that the strike aims to cripple Hezbollah's economic capabilities both during and after ongoing conflicts.
This recent surge in military actions follows a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, escalating further with recent ground operations in Lebanon and intensified campaigns in Gaza. The conflict continues to affect thousands, with Lebanese officials estimating over 2,400 deaths and more than 1.2 million people displaced in Lebanon over the past year.
Reference(s):
Lebanese flee as blasts hit Beirut, Israel warns of more strikes
cgtn.com
