Hezbollah's 'key operative in the Rocket and Missile Department' was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF reported that Muhammad Mustafa Ayoub was targeted and eliminated in the Selaa area of southern Lebanon. Ayoub had been actively involved in planning and promoting terror attacks against Israeli civilians and communities in recent months.
In addition to Ayoub's elimination, Israeli fighter jets also targeted Hezbollah's infrastructure and a military structure in the Meiss El Jabal area of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah acknowledged Ayoub's death, stating that he 'died as a martyr on the road to Jerusalem,' although specific details surrounding his demise were not disclosed.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have led to increased cross-border attacks after a period of relative calm. The Israeli military has issued warnings of potential large-scale operations along its northern border in response to the ongoing hostilities. With both sides engaging in exchanges of fire for over eight months, Israel has signaled a readiness to address the security threats emanating from its northern frontier without further delay.