An Israeli airstrike targeted a building in Beirut’s densely populated Ras al-Nabaa neighbourhood on Sunday reportedly killing Hezbollah’s media relations chief, Mohammad Afif, as per two Lebanese security sources of Reuters. However, a confirmation has not been made by Hezbollah and the Israeli military has declined to comment on the incident.
The neighbourhood which has become a refuge for those displaced by earlier bombings in Beirut’s southern suburbs has experienced major destruction. As per Reuters report, civil defense were seen responding on the affected site where upper floors of a building had collapsed over the first story. The strike hit an office building related to the Syrian Social Nationalist Party and Lebanese media later confirmed Atif’s death.
Who was Mohammad Afif?
Atif has been a key figure in Hezbollah’s media operations, he has earlier managed the group’s AI-Manar television station and has later worked as a media advisor to Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s former general secretary-general. Nasrallah was killed during the 1197 Israeli airstrike. His recent public appearances were noticed during a press conference which took place amid bombarded areas in Beirut. Just before his reported death, he highlighted Hezbollah’s readiness for sustained conflict and asserted that the group had sufficient resources for a ”long war”.
Reinforcing military actions along the border
The strikes have taken place in the middle of escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah’s rocket fire attacked on Israel’s military followed by a deadly assault by its ally, Hamas on southern Israel. In retaliation, Israel struck an intensified campaign in Lebanon and attacked areas of east, south and southern Beirut suburbs.
In the Sunday strike, one fatality and three injuries has been confirmed by the Lebanese health ministry. Ambulances were seen rushing to the scene as gunfire occurred. This escalation underlined the growing tension in the region.
(With inputs from Reuters)
