Three commanders from Lebanese Hezbollah and eight others were killed, with 35 more injured, in Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon. The National News Agency of Lebanon reported a preliminary toll of over 10 deaths and more than 30 wounded in the airstrikes on a building in Riyaq. Among the deceased were three Hezbollah commanders: Hussein Mohammad Yaghi, Ali Zeid al-Moussawi, and Mohammad Ibrahim al-Moussawi.
Well-informed security sources confirmed the death toll at 11, with 35 injured, and mentioned ongoing search efforts for missing persons. Hezbollah mourned the loss of commander Hussein Mohammad Yaghi, hailing him as a martyr in defense of Lebanon and its people. Israeli warplanes conducted six airstrikes on areas in eastern Lebanon, including Hezbollah sites, as per Lebanese security sources.
Since November 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement has been in place between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem recently warned of a “painful” response from Israel if tensions escalate. Qassem accused the United States of backing Israeli military operations and regional expansion. He emphasized that Israel’s pursuit of maximum pressure for political concessions could not ensure lasting control or stability.
Qassem criticized Israel as an expansionist entity seeking territorial control in Palestine and the region. He cautioned against the formal annexation of the occupied West Bank and highlighted Israeli control in Gaza. The United States, according to Qassem, is a full partner in Israeli actions, providing operational and diplomatic support. Hezbollah and Israel previously engaged in cross-border fighting after the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
