The recent Israeli strike in Beirut, which reportedly targeted Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah, caught the US by surprise according to the Pentagon. Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that the US had no “advanced warning” of the operation.
Despite Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaking with his Israeli counterpart during the attack, the US was not involved and is currently assessing the situation with no changes in force posture announced.
Israel’s heavy airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburb area has caused significant casualties, with over 700 people killed and nearly 2,200 injured. The ongoing violence in Lebanon has added to the death toll since last October, now totaling 1,540, with thousands displaced.
Hezbollah, targeted by Israel, has been under attack since the conflict began, with casualties mounting. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate escalating tensions in the region.
As the US monitors the situation closely, the impact of the recent strike in Beirut has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict and the potential for further violence.