Israel hits Hezbollah headquarters, targeted by militant group leader

The Israeli army hit Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut on Friday with a number of major attacks targeting the leader of the militant group, destroying many high apartment buildings. These major explosions in the Lebanese capital, marked by Israeli attacks, appear likely to bring conflict closer to a large-scale war. At least six people were killed and dozens more were injured, Lebanon's health ministry said. The number of victims is expected to increase.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was the target of attacks on group headquarters, according to two people familiar with the issue who spoke on condition of anonymity, including an American official. The Israeli army refused to comment. It was not immediately clear whether Hassan Nasrawa was inside the building, and Hezbollah has yet to comment on the matter.

Following the attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah suddenly interrupted a visit to the United States to return to Israel. Hours before the attack, he addressed the UN, pledging that Israel's intensified campaign against Hezbollah will continue, further clouding hopes for achieving a ceasefire supported by the international community.

News of the blasts came as Prime Minister Netanyah was holding a conference for reporters following his speech at the UN General Assembly. A military assistant whispered in his ear, and Mr. Netanyah quickly concluded the press conference.

Israeli Army spokesman Admiral Daniel Hagari said the attacks targeted Hezbollah's main headquarters, saying it was underground under residential buildings.

According to Lebanon's national news agency, the series of explosions around the evening has turned six tall apartment buildings into ruins at Haret Hreik, a densely populated neighborhood, mainly in the suburbs of Beirut.

On an unprecedented scale in past conflicts, Israel last week launched efforts to kill Hezbollah's top leadership. But an attempt to kill Hassan Nasrah, successful or not, would be a major escalation. The Pentagon said the United States had received no preliminary warning about the attacks.

Hasan Nasrallah has been hiding for years, appearing very rarely in public. He gives talks regularly but always with videos from unknown places. The area struck Friday evening was not publicly known as Hezbollah's main headquarters, though it is located in the group's “security gates”, a well-protected section of the Harek neighbourhood, where the militant group has offices and runs several nearby hospitals. / VOA