Escalation of crisis in Middle East as Israel strikes Beirut suburb

Israel claims strike on Dahiyeh in southern suburbs of Beirutwas was "precise" - Iran has responded that "this changes the rules of the game". 

Beirut following latest Israeli strike.

Photo: PAP/EPA/Wael Hamzeh

In a statement this evening, Israel's military claims that its attack was a "precise" strike against the "Central Headquarters" of Hezbollah "terror organisation":

“Moments ago, the Israel Defense Forces carried out a precise strike on the Central Headquarters of the Hezbollah terror organization…taking the necessary action to protect our people so that Israeli families can live in their homes, safely and securely.”

Listen to IDF… pic.twitter.com/I4hbN7KkO8

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 27, 2024

However, the Associated Press has reported that this "precise strike" was felt 30 km away in the Lebanese capital. 

Iran, who has hitherto been seeking to stay out of direct involvement in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict has responded that this latest attack "changes the game".

Israel has said it was targeting Hezbollah leader Nasrallah - his condition is "unclear".  

Sources: PAP, The Guardian, X/IDF

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