This evening, early reports emerged suggesting Lebanon was facing the sudden occurrence of widespread power disruptions power to its internet and mobile phone services. The news coincides with reports that Hizbollah’s most senior military commander, Fuad Shukr, was killed by an Israeli Air Force strike on Beirut.
Earlier today, Israeli missiles reportedly struck a Syrian military base in Tall al-Jabiyah and Tal Um Horan, both of which are located in the western Daraa province bordering the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
Israel carried out the strikes in Syria and southern Lebanon as tensions reached a fever pitch following Saturday’s rocket attack on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Hizballah has denied responsibility for the attack, which struck a football field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, leaving 12 children dead.
Analysis: Israel has frequently targeted Iranian-linked sites in Syria ever since the civil war began in 2011. However, these operations have intensified since the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza started last October, as Israel aims to counteract a series of attacks against Israel by Iran-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs).
Today’s attack in Beirut marks the second by Israel on the Lebanese capital since October; a previous strike in January killed Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas’s deputy leader and founding commander of its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
Fuad Shukr, also known as Hajj Mohsin, is considered to be Hizballah’s most senior military officer and the “right-hand man” to Hizballah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Israel claimed Fu’ad Shukr was responsible for Saturday’s deadly rocket attack on Majdal Shams. He was also wanted by the USG for his role in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut. Hizballlah and Lebanese authorities have not yet confirmed Shukr’s death.
Diplomatic efforts are in full force amid fears that Israel’s retaliatory attacks could send escalating tensions to boil over into all-out war. Earlier this morning, the US State Department issued a Situation Report (SITREP) which urged US citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately, if possible.
