BEIRUT, LEBANON – Hezbollah confirmed the death of its Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, shortly after Israel announced his death in a Friday airstrike targeting the group's central command in Beirut's southern suburbs.

The Israeli military had earlier reported that Nasrallah and other senior commanders were killed in the strikes. IDF spokesperson Avichai Adraee stated that the air force, acting on precise intelligence, targeted the underground headquarters located beneath a residential building. He emphasized that the strike occurred while Hezbollah's leadership was present. Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi warned that this was not the end of Israeli action, vowing retribution against anyone threatening Israeli citizens.

Following Friday's initial attack, Israel launched further airstrikes on Saturday, with witnesses reporting over 20 air raids before dawn and more after sunrise. Smoke plumes rose over the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs, and thousands of residents fled their homes seeking refuge in central Beirut. A source close to Hezbollah reported that six buildings were completely destroyed in the densely populated area. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed the precise targeting of Hezbollah's central command, located beneath residential buildings.

Nasrallah had led Hezbollah for decades, transforming it into a powerful regional military force with Iranian backing, and becoming a prominent figure in the Arab world. The confirmation of his death marks a significant development in the ongoing regional conflict.