Israel targets Hezbollah arms smuggler in deadly Lebanon airstrikes

The Israeli Air Force conducted a series of intense airstrikes on Sunday targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, hitting areas between Bassalia and Jbaa (Nabatiyeh), as well as the outskirts of Mlita, Jabal Safi (Iqlim al-Touffah heights), and Sojod (Jezzine).

The strikes followed earlier bombardments in Arnoun (Nabatiyeh), Kaouthariyet el-Siyyad, and Houla. Described as among the "most violent" since mid-February, the explosions reverberated as far as Iqlim el-Kharroub and Saida.

The Israeli military confirmed the elimination of a Hezbollah operative in one of the strikes.

Separately, an explosion involving munitions transported by the Lebanese army killed three soldiers on the same day.

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli drone strikes in Kaouthariyet el-Siyyad and Houla claimed two lives, including Hussein Ali Nasr, a senior Hezbollah figure.

The Israeli army identified Nasr as the deputy head of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400, accusing him of orchestrating the smuggling of weapons and funds into Lebanon to bolster the group’s military capabilities.

In a statement on X, Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, said, “The Israel Defense Forces struck a region in southern Lebanon, eliminating the terrorist Hussein Ali Nasr, who served as deputy head of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400. 

Nasr facilitated the smuggling of arms and money into Lebanon, collaborating with Iranian entities to transport weapons and funds through Beirut International Airport.”

The IDF further alleged that Nasr was involved in arms smuggling along the Lebanese-Syrian border.

Hezbollah’s actions, including its smuggling operations and collaboration with Iranian backers, have long destabilized the region, drawing repeated Israeli responses to curb the group’s growing arsenal and influence.

Sunday’s strikes underscore Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon, which continues to pose a significant threat to regional security.