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In a precision airstrike carried out by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) in Beirut, Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, a senior Hezbollah commander responsible for the group’s communications unit, was killed.
The IDF confirmed the operation through a post on social media platform “X” (formerly known as Twitter), describing Sakafi as a key figure in Hezbollah’s communications infrastructure since 2000. His death marks a significant blow to the militant group’s operational capabilities.
Sakafi, 52, had played a critical role in upgrading Hezbollah’s communication networks, which are considered essential for coordinating the group’s military activities across Lebanon and the wider region.
According to IDF sources, his expertise helped Hezbollah maintain secure communication channels amid heightened Israeli surveillance and intelligence efforts.
In a statement, the IDF emphasized that Sakafi’s elimination was part of Israel’s broader campaign to neutralize key Hezbollah figures and disrupt their command and control systems.
“We have taken out a major player in Hezbollah’s communications infrastructure. This will hinder their ability to coordinate and execute attacks,” the IDF said.
Weapons Cache Uncovered in Southern Lebanon
In addition to the airstrike in Beirut, Israeli forces conducted multiple raids in southern Lebanon over a 24-hour period, targeting Hezbollah-affiliated locations.
The IDF disclosed details of these raids in another post on “X,” reporting the discovery of significant caches of weaponry, including rocket launcher munitions, anti-tank missiles, and rockets.
The IDF stated that these weapons had been hidden inside civilian homes, underscoring concerns that Hezbollah is using civilian infrastructure to store and shield its military assets.
Among the weapons found were firearms, an explosive device, and anti-tank missiles, which the IDF claims were meant to be used in future attacks on Israeli targets.
“These weapons were hidden in civilian areas, placing innocent lives at risk,” the IDF said. “We are committed to dismantling these stockpiles to prevent future attacks on our citizens.”
The raids, supported by intelligence operations, also involved close-quarter engagements with Hezbollah fighters in various locations across southern Lebanon.
Beirut Bombing Leaves Six Dead
Earlier, Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut, killing at least six people and injuring eight others, according to Lebanese authorities.
The bombing targeted a multi-story building in the Bachoura area, which the IDF claimed housed a Hezbollah-affiliated health center. The health center was allegedly being used as a front for Hezbollah operations, according to Israeli sources.
Lebanese officials condemned the strikes, with the country’s health ministry reporting that the dead included civilians. In a press conference, a Lebanese government spokesperson described the airstrikes as “unprovoked” and a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
However, the IDF maintains that the building was part of Hezbollah’s broader network of support for its military operations.
“We have struck infrastructure that Hezbollah has embedded in civilian areas, making it a legitimate military target,” an IDF spokesperson said, defending the precision strikes.
Rising Tensions in the Region
The recent escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah has raised concerns about a broader conflict between the two sides.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is a long-time adversary of Israel and is considered a terrorist organization by many Western countries. Both sides have exchanged fire across the Israel-Lebanon border in recent months, leading to heightened fears of a full-scale war.
While Israel insists that its operations are targeted at dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities, Lebanese officials warn that continued strikes could destabilize the fragile security situation in the region.
As tensions simmer, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for restraint from both sides.