The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced today that they have successfully targeted and killed Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of Hezbollah, in a precision airstrike. The operation, which took place late Friday night, targeted Hezbollah’s central headquarters located in the southern suburbs of Beirut, an area known to be a stronghold of the militant group.

According to an IDF statement, the airstrike also resulted in the deaths of several other high-ranking Hezbollah officials, including Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. The headquarters, reportedly embedded under a residential building, was completely destroyed in the attack.

The Israeli military described the operation as a significant blow to Hezbollah’s operational capabilities. “This strike is a measure of justice for the countless victims of Hezbollah’s terrorist activities,” said an IDF spokesperson.

While Hezbollah has yet to issue an official statement, sources close to the group have indicated that they have lost contact with Nasrallah since the strike. Rescue operations are ongoing, with reports of multiple casualties as emergency services continue to search for survivors in the rubble.

The international community has reacted with a mix of concern and condemnation. US President Joe Biden called Nasrallah’s death “a measure of justice,” while Iran has warned that Israel will “regret their actions”.