Beirut, Lebanon – The aftermath of a massive Israeli airstrike that targeted the leader of the Hezbollah militant group continues to unfold. Smoke billows from the debris left behind by the attack, which leveled several high-rise apartment towers in the densely populated suburb of Dahiyeh in southern Beirut. The strike, which took place on Friday night, aimed at an underground Hezbollah compound where a meeting was being held.

Hezbollah confirmed the death of its long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a statement issued on Saturday. Nasrallah, who had led the group for 32 years, was a significant figure in the region. The devastation caused by the airstrike drew crowds on Sunday, with people coming to the site to assess the damage, pay their respects, and pray.

Witnesses reported hearing up to 10 explosions following the strike, which razed several residential buildings to the ground. The destruction left behind by the blasts was consistent with the use of 2,000-pound bombs, likely intended to penetrate structures. Videos released by Israel showed the warplanes involved in the attack, with experts identifying American-made bombs used in the strike.

The Israeli military revealed that the warplanes took off from an airbase in southern Israel. At the site on Sunday, onlookers navigated through piles of rubble and twisted metal, with some craters reaching depths of up to 30 meters. Rescue efforts were underway, with Hezbollah workers using heavy equipment to search for survivors and victims.

The emotional toll of the attack was palpable, as bystanders grieved for their lost loved ones and the community came together to mourn the loss of Nasrallah. The scene was a mix of sorrow, resilience, and solidarity, with chants of support for the fallen leader echoing through the devastated neighborhood.

The impact of the airstrike reverberated beyond Beirut, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region. As investigations into the attack continue, the aftermath serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the volatile Middle East. The repercussions of this targeted strike are likely to ripple through the geopolitical landscape, shaping the future of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.