Israeli Strikes Destroy Buildings In Beirut's Dahiyeh Area

Rescuers work at the scene of an Israeli missile strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Reports from Lebanon's state news agency confirm that several buildings were destroyed in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut's southern suburbs following Israeli strikes on the capital on Friday. Videos circulating on social media captured large plumes of black smoke billowing into the air after the strikes, with footage showing multiple consecutive explosions hitting several buildings.

Neighborhood residents shared videos revealing the targeted buildings reduced to rubble, as first responders rushed to the scene on foot. The scale of the affected area appeared larger than previous Israeli strikes on Beirut, prompting the Lebanese Red Cross to dispatch 10 teams to the southern suburbs for assistance.

Videos on social media show large plumes of black smoke and multiple explosions.

Buildings destroyed in Dahiyeh area of Beirut's southern suburbs by Israeli strikes.

Residents shared videos of buildings reduced to rubble, prompting Red Cross assistance.

Dahiyeh, known for its dense population and strong Hezbollah presence, serves as a base for many of the group's leadership. An Israeli official indicated that the strike aimed at Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have intensified, with Monday marking the deadliest day in two decades as over 500 individuals, including women and children, lost their lives, and more than 1,800 others sustained injuries.