Three Hezbollah commanders killed in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon | World News

Three commanders and eight commanders from the Lebanese Hezbollah group were killed and 35 more were injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon on Friday, according to official and Lebanese security sources.

Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) reported a preliminary death toll, saying more than 10 people were killed and more than 30 injured in an airstrike on a building in Riyaq, eastern Lebanon.

A source from the Lebanese Civil Defense told Xinhua news agency that the death toll increased to 11, 35 injured, and the search for missing people continues.

Well-informed security sources told Xinhua that three Hezbollah commanders were among the dead: Hussein Mohammed Yaghi, Ali Zeid al-Moussavi, and Mohammed Ibrahim al-Moussavi.

In its statement, Hezbollah mourned the death of commander Hussein Mohammed Yaghi, stating that he was “a martyr in defense of Lebanon and its people.”

Lebanese security sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes carried out six airstrikes on areas in eastern Lebanon, including Hezbollah areas.

A ceasefire agreement has been in effect between Hezbollah and Israel since November 27, 2024.

Early on February 16, Hezbollah leader Naim Qasim accused the United States of directly supporting Israel’s military operations and territorial expansion, warning that Israel would face a “painful” response if tensions escalate.

Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, Qasim said in a speech broadcast on al-Manar TV channel that Israel was applying “maximum pressure” aimed at extracting political concessions while avoiding the broader costs of war. He added that Israel may achieve tactical military superiority in some conflicts, but cannot achieve permanent control or stability.

Qasim described Israel as an “expansionist entity” that wants greater territorial control over Palestine and the region. He warned against gradual and formal annexation of the occupied West Bank. He pointed to developments in Gaza, claiming that significant portions of the territory are under direct Israeli control.

He also called the United States a “full partner” in Israel’s actions, claiming that Washington directed operations and provided political and diplomatic cover for military campaigns and territorial expansion.

Hezbollah and Israel engaged in cross-border clashes following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.