Iran’s Khamenei moved to safe location after Hezbollah leader killed

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was relocated to a secure location following the assassination of Hezbollah’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah, by an Israeli airstrike. The move came after reports indicated that Nasrallah, who was hiding in a bunker, was killed in the bombing of Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut.

The Israeli military confirmed that they had successfully eliminated Nasrallah, leading to the destruction of several buildings in Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut. The strikes resulted in the destruction of four buildings, leaving large craters and damaging nearby structures. Rescue operations continued through the night, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting nine deaths and over 90 injured civilians.

In addition to Nasrallah, senior Hezbollah commanders, including Muhammad Ali Ismail, the head of Hezbollah’s missile unit, and his deputy, were also killed.

This strike follows an escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both parties engaged in nearly constant cross-border hostilities for over a year. The recent airstrike occurred as the US and France were attempting to broker a ceasefire. However, Israel has intensified its operations, citing the need to neutralize Hezbollah’s capabilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while addressing the UN General Assembly, stated that Israel had tolerated Hezbollah’s provocations for nearly a year and had no choice but to respond. “Israel has every right to protect its citizens,” Netanyahu said.

Following the strikes in Beirut, the Israeli military urged civilians in Hezbollah-controlled areas to evacuate, signaling that further military operations could follow. On Saturday, Israel launched additional airstrikes in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, further intensifying the conflict.

This ongoing conflict stems from long-standing geopolitical tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated after Israel launched operations in Gaza. Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket fire, leading to ongoing clashes between the two forces.

In recent weeks, Israel and Hezbollah’s hostilities have taken a dangerous turn, with covert operations involving the detonation of modified pagers and walkie-talkies, killing dozens across Lebanon. Amid growing international concern, efforts to broker a ceasefire have thus far been unsuccessful. Israel’s deployment of additional tanks and troops along its northern border suggests preparations for a ground invasion.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio