Watch: How Israel strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah media chief Mohammed Afif – Times of India

An Israeli airstrike in central Beirut on Sunday killed Hezbollah’s media relations chief, Mohammed Afif. The attack targeted a building housing the Lebanese branch of the Syrian Ba’ath Party in the Ras al-Nabaa neighbourhood, marking a rare strike in central Beirut. Hezbollah is yet to officially confirm Afif’s death.

A viral video captured the moment the Israeli strike hit, causing the building to collapse amid a massive explosion. Footage shared by Iranian news agency IRNA later showed the collapsed structure reduced to rubble, with debris scattered across the area. Civil defence workers were seen sifting through the ruins.

Afif, a major figure within Hezbollah, had served as the group’s media advisor and was known for hosting press conferences amidst the aftermath of Israeli bombardments. His recent statements included claims that Hezbollah was well-prepared for a prolonged conflict with Israel. His death comes weeks after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that Sunday’s strike killed one person and injured three others in Ras al-Nabaa. The building targeted was also known to shelter displaced individuals from southern Lebanon, highlighting the war’s extensive civilian toll.
The attack on Ras al-Nabaa was one of two Israeli strikes in Beirut on Sunday. A separate assault in Mar Elias, another rarely targeted central area, hit a vehicle and claimed at least two lives, according to Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV. The densely packed neighbourhood, home to many displaced residents, was left engulfed in flames following the strike.
Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon since September, targeting Hezbollah strongholds in the south and eastern regions, as well as the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Lebanese health ministry estimates that over 3,800 people have died, and nearly 15,000 have been injured since the escalation began.