A top Hezbollah military leader, Ibrahim Aqil, was killed in an Israeli air strike on Beirut, Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in tensions. The strike occurred on Friday and led to the collapse of at least one building in the city. Aqil, a senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces, was targeted in the densely populated Dahieh area, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut.

Lebanese officials reported at least 14 fatalities and numerous injuries in the attack. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, searching for survivors beneath the rubble. The strike severely damaged several buildings and caused chaos in the streets.

Hezbollah confirmed Aqil’s death, while Israeli forces stated that Aqil and other senior operatives were planning an attack known as "Conquer the Galilee," aimed at infiltrating Israeli territory. Israel’s Defense Forces claimed that the group had been hiding among civilians in residential buildings.

Aqil had been a wanted figure, with Washington offering rewards for information about him due to his involvement in past attacks on US forces in Lebanon. Hezbollah described Aqil as one of its prominent jihadist leaders, commemorating his role within the group.

The strike comes amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, which intensified after Hamas militants attacked Israel earlier this month. Since then, hundreds of Hezbollah fighters have been killed, with thousands displaced on both sides of the border. Israel has conducted numerous air strikes, targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers and other facilities.

The situation has raised concerns of a broader conflict, with US and UK authorities advising their citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent further escalation, though tensions remain high.

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