Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hezbollah Commander Abbas Hassan Karky in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon on Friday killed Abbas Hassan Karky, identified by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) as a senior Hezbollah commander responsible for logistics on the group's Southern Front. The IDF stated that Karky played a pivotal role in rebuilding Hezbollah's combat infrastructure following last year's conflicts, including restoring damaged facilities, reorganising force structures, and overseeing the transfer and storage of weapons in the region. Lebanon's National News Agency confirmed the strike targeted a vehicle on a local road, with a Lebanese security source verifying Karky's affiliation with Hezbollah. This incident marks another targeted operation amid ongoing tensions, despite a fragile ceasefire in place.

Karky, reportedly related to Ali Karaki—the former Southern Front chief assassinated alongside long-time Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in late 2024—had been actively working to enhance the militant group's operational capabilities in southern Lebanon. According to the IDF, his efforts directly violated ceasefire terms by facilitating weapons movements and preparations for potential attacks. Lebanese media outlets highlighted the familial connection, underscoring the strike's potential to disrupt Hezbollah's command network further. The operation reflects Israel's strategy of precision strikes against high-value targets, often justified as preemptive measures to neutralise immediate threats.

The killing occurred just one day after broader Israeli strikes across Lebanon targeted Hezbollah arms caches and a training camp, resulting in four deaths, including an elderly woman, as reported by Lebanese authorities. On Wednesday, Israel announced the elimination of another Hezbollah figure—a platoon commander in the elite Radwan Force—accused of similar activities in weapon smuggling and attack planning. Both incidents were framed by the IDF as responses to ceasefire breaches, highlighting persistent friction along the border. These actions come as Israel maintains troops at five key positions in southern Lebanon, conducting sporadic operations to counter perceived militant activities.

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A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered on November 27, 2024, has significantly reduced cross-border clashes that escalated alongside the Gaza conflict. However, violations from both sides have tested the agreement's durability, with Israel citing Hezbollah's rearmament as a core concern. The international community, including the United Nations, has urged restraint to prevent a wider escalation, emphasising the need for diplomatic channels to address underlying issues. As of Friday, no immediate retaliatory actions from Hezbollah were reported, but the strike serves as a stark reminder of the volatile security dynamics in the region, where targeted assassinations continue to fuel cycles of retaliation.

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