The body of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has been recovered intact from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to medical and security sources.
Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death on Saturday but did not disclose specific details regarding the circumstances or timing of his funeral. Sources indicated that his body showed no direct wounds, suggesting that blunt trauma from the explosion was the likely cause of death.
The airstrike, which took place on Friday, involved heavy bombardment, with reports indicating that approximately 80 tons of munitions were dropped on the Hezbollah headquarters located in the Dahieh district.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Nasrallah was killed during this operation, which also resulted in the deaths of at least 20 other militants.
The attack was described as a precise strike executed under meticulous planning and intelligence gathering, which had tracked Nasrallah’s movements prior to the airstrike. Reports suggest that an Iranian informant played a crucial role in providing intelligence about Nasrallah’s location during a meeting at an underground facility.
In addition to Nasrallah, senior Hezbollah commander Ali Karaki was also reported killed in the strike.
The IDF’s operation marks a significant escalation in military actions against Hezbollah amid ongoing tensions in the region. Following the attack, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange fire, with casualties reported on both sides.
As Lebanon grapples with the aftermath of this escalation, the Lebanese military has called for calm during this “dangerous and delicate stage” of conflict.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments expected in the coming days as both sides respond to the significant loss.