Israel says 'eliminated' Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut strike

The Israeli military confirmed that its fighter jets "eliminated" Hezbollah's senior military commander Fuad Shukr during an airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday. The military accused Shukr of orchestrating a rocket attack on the annexed Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 youths.
"Israeli air force fighter jets eliminated the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's most senior military commander and the head of its strategic unit, Fuad Shukr, in the area of Beirut," the military said in a statement.Shukr, also known as Hajj Mohsin, was a close adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and was involved in the group's precision missile project. He was also wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut.
The airstrike took place in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a known Hezbollah stronghold. A loud blast was reported at around 1640 GMT, and a plume of smoke was seen rising from the area. According to Lebanon's state-run national news agency, the strike targeted the vicinity of Hezbollah's Shura Council in the Haret Hreik neighborhood.
The attack has raised tensions in the Middle East, with fears of further escalation. Medical and security sources told Reuters that, in addition to Shukr, two children were killed in the strike, bringing the civilian toll to three.
Beirut has been tense following the deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel and the United States have blamed Hezbollah for the attack, but the group has denied responsibility.
In a social media post, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated, "The IDF carried out a targeted strike in Beirut, on the commander responsible for the murder of the children in Majdal Shams and the killing of numerous additional Israeli civilians."
The situation in the region remains volatile, with Lebanese authorities and international observers closely monitoring the developments.