The mayor of Nabatieh, Ahmad Kahil, was killed on Wednesday morning in an Israeli attack on the municipality building in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and militant groups in the region.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they conducted airstrikes targeting multiple sites in Nabatieh, stating that the operation aimed to eliminate “underground infrastructure utilized by Hezbollah’s Radwan Forces.” The Radwan Forces are an elite unit within Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite militant group and political party that Israel considers a significant threat.
Local residents reported hearing heavy explosions in the early hours, with plumes of smoke rising from the targeted areas. The attack on the municipality building, which resulted in the death of Mayor Kahil, has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on civilian infrastructure and leadership.
Nabatieh, located in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel, has historically been a stronghold of Hezbollah. The region has experienced intermittent clashes and hostilities over the years, but direct attacks resulting in the death of local officials are rare.
The Lebanese government has condemned the attack, calling it a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and an act of aggression against its civilian leadership. In a statement, officials urged the international community to intervene and prevent further breaches of peace in the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities maintain that their actions are in self-defense, targeting militant infrastructure to prevent attacks on Israeli territory. “We will continue to take necessary measures to neutralize threats from Hezbollah and ensure the safety of our citizens,” an IDF spokesperson said.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with various conflicts and power struggles contributing to regional instability. Observers fear that the killing of a high-profile local official could ignite further hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially drawing in other regional actors.
International organizations and neighboring countries are calling for restraint from all parties. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been monitoring the ceasefire line between Lebanon and Israel, has appealed for calm and adherence to existing agreements to prevent a broader conflict.
The situation remains volatile, and it is unclear how Hezbollah will respond to the attack and the death of Mayor Kahil. The coming days may prove critical in determining whether this incident will escalate into a larger confrontation or if diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the tensions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
