Jerusalem
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday that an airstrike has killed senior Hezbollah commander Abu Ali Rida in Lebanon. Rida was reportedly targeted near Baraachit and was identified as a key operative involved in coordinating rocket and anti-tank missile attacks against Israeli forces.
While the IDF did not specify the timing of the strike, Lebanese military sources indicated that 13 individuals, including Rida, were killed during a series of Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on the same day. Reports mentioned that Israeli forces conducted 13 airstrikes and artillery shelling, firing about 45 shells across 12 towns and villages, which resulted in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Following Rida’s death, Hezbollah retaliated by launching approximately 60 projectiles into northern Israel. The IDF stated that its defense systems intercepted several rockets, while others landed in open areas without causing injuries.
Additionally, the IDF reported intercepting two explosive drones aimed at Israeli targets, one over the Golan Heights and the other near Upper Galilee. Hezbollah also confirmed launching surface-to-surface missiles targeting several locations in northern Israel.
Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified since October 8, 2023, after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in support of Hamas, leading to retaliatory actions by Israel and escalating airstrikes against Hezbollah positions across Lebanon.
