Israeli Army Carries Out First Airstrike on Beirut Since Ceasefire, Kills Hezbollah Commander

Beirut, Lebanon, May 6 (CNA) — Israel launched an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut today, killing a senior commander from Hezbollah's elite force, according to sources close to Hezbollah. This marks the first attack on Beirut since Israel reached a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah last month.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that the Lebanese Ministry of Health indicated Israel also conducted airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in at least 11 other deaths.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military's target was a 'commander of Hezbollah's Radwan Force.'

A source close to Hezbollah, who requested anonymity, told AFP that 'Malek Ballout, operational commander of the Radwan Force,' was killed.

The National News Agency of Lebanon reported that 'Israeli warplanes launched an attack,' 'targeting' Ghobeiri in the southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah.

AFP reporters witnessed a building reduced to rubble after the airstrike, with residents evacuating the area with their belongings.

Many residents of Beirut's southern suburbs had already evacuated after Hezbollah became embroiled in the Middle East war in March. Despite the ceasefire agreement taking effect on April 17, they have not yet returned home.

A Lebanese security source, who requested anonymity, told AFP that the airstrike hit an apartment where the leadership of the Radwan Force was holding a meeting.

The Israeli airstrikes today coincided with US President Donald Trump's statement that there was 'a very good chance' of reaching a peace deal with Iran. (Edited by Chang Hsiao-wen) 1150507