Reports have emerged that senior Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine may have been killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting the group’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut. The strikes occurred in the Dahieh suburb, a well-known stronghold for Hezbollah.

Targeted during airstrikes

Multiple media sources, including Reuters and Axios, indicate that Safieddine was present at a meeting when the airstrikes took place. Axios reported, citing three unidentified Israeli officials, that Safieddine was specifically named as the target of the attack. He is seen as a potential successor to the late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed a week ago. The Israeli military did not confirm this report when questioned by AFP.

Unverified claims 

Despite these reports, Reuters noted that it had been unable to independently verify the details surrounding Safieddine’s status. Furthermore, no official statements have been released by Israel, Hezbollah, or Lebanon regarding his condition, leaving much uncertainty about the outcome of the strike. 

Safieddine’s role within Hezbollah

Safieddine is the head of Hezbollah’s executive council and plays a crucial role in overseeing the group’s military operations. His prominence within the organisation led to his designation as a terrorist by the US State Department in 2017, underscoring his significance in Hezbollah’s hierarchy.