Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah-Linked Financial Institutions in Beirut
In the early hours of Monday, Israel executed a series of significant airstrikes on Beirut, focusing particularly on areas in the southern outskirts of the Lebanese capital. The Israeli military had issued warnings to the local population prior to the strikes, indicating that they were specifically targeting the branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a banking group associated with Hezbollah, which Israel deems a major mechanism supporting the finances of the Lebanese group.
Established in 1983, Al-Qard Al-Hassan originated as a charitable organization aimed at providing loans to Shiite Muslims in Beirut. Over the years, it has evolved into a banking entity boasting around 200,000 clients and more than 30 branches throughout Lebanon, including 15 situating in densely populated areas of Beirut. Among those heavily affected by the bombings is Dahieh, a neighborhood known for its strong Hezbollah presence.
Dahieh has lately been subjected to numerous bombings, including a recent attack that resulted in the death of a prominent Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, at the end of September. This residential and commercial hub is frequented by civilians, prompting many locals to evacuate the area following warnings of impending strikes, as announced by the Israeli army.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari remarked that individuals near locations implicated in financing Hezbollah’s activities should evacuate immediately, as multiple targets would be engaged in a series of attacks throughout the night.
The airstrikes resulted in numerous explosions resonating across the affected areas, although the extent of damage and the number of potential casualties remain unclear at this time. Reports indicate that explosions were also detected near Beirut Airport, which lies in close proximity to Dahieh. Concurrently, Israeli operations were reported in southern Lebanese cities, including Nabatieh, Kafra, and Yater, escalating tensions in an already fraught region.
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