The Israeli military announced on Friday that it had conducted an airstrike in southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of a high-ranking Hezbollah missile commander. The Israel Defense Forces identified the deceased as Ali Abed Akhsan Naim, who was allegedly the deputy commander of Hezbollah's Rocket and Missile Unit. Hezbollah confirmed Naim's death in a statement but did not provide details on the circumstances.
According to the IDF, Naim was a crucial figure within Hezbollah, possessing significant knowledge and expertise in the field of rockets. He was reportedly responsible for planning and executing attacks against Israeli civilians, particularly in the realm of heavy-warhead rocket fire. The IDF's operation targeted Naim in the Bazouriye area of southern Lebanon.
Reports from Lebanon's National News Agency indicated that a drone strike had occurred near Bazouriye, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. However, the identities of the second casualty remain undisclosed. The ongoing clashes along the Lebanon-Israel border have escalated, with Israel issuing evacuation orders for communities in the vicinity.
Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group based in Lebanon, has been engaged in conflict with Israel along the southern border. The recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas have further exacerbated tensions in the region, leading to intensified confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah in the border area.