Fuad Shukr, a top Hamas official and Hezbollah commander with a $5 million bounty on his head, has been confirmed dead following an IDF strike in Beirut. Hezbollah initially did not confirm his death, but later announced it on its official Telegram account. The strike has heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, prompting the U.S. to issue a "Do Not Travel" advisory for Lebanon.
On Tuesday, an explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, claimed the life of a top Hamas official, according to Hezbollah media. The explosion, which occurred in a Hezbollah stronghold, also resulted in the death of a woman and two children.
Hezbollah Commander Killed in IDF Strike in Beirut, Hamas Official Dead
Hezbollah initially denied the death of its "No. 2" commander, Fuad Shukr, but later confirmed it on its Telegram account. Shukr had a long history with Hezbollah, including helping orchestrate the 1983 U.S. Marine barracks bombing.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for the strike, which was in retaliation for an attack over the weekend that killed a dozen youths in Israel's Golan Heights. Hezbollah has denied involvement in that attack, but the IDF identified Shukr as the mastermind behind it.
Hezbollah Commander Killed in IDF Strike in Beirut, Hamas Official Dead
Shukr's death marks the most senior Hezbollah death in nearly a year. He had a $5 million bounty on his head for his involvement in the 1983 Beirut bombings, which killed 241 U.S. military personnel and wounded 128 others.
The U.S. State Department issued a level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Lebanon, citing "rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel." Americans already in Lebanon are advised to "be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate."
Hezbollah Commander Killed in IDF Strike in Beirut, Hamas Official Dead
The United Nations has warned against further escalation and called for a return to calm in Lebanon and across the Blue Line. The Secretary-General has urged all parties to work towards regional de-escalation in the interest of peace and stability.
The IDF strike has raised fears of a wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The U.N. has stressed the importance of preventing actions that could destabilize the region and potentially lead to devastating consequences for civilians.
Hezbollah Commander Killed in IDF Strike in Beirut, Hamas Official Dead
