Israel neutralizes Hezbollah communications chief in airstrike near Beirut

Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets conducted a targeted airstrike in the Beirut area, eliminating Muhammad Rashid Saqafi, the head of Hezbollah's communications network.

Saqafi, a veteran member of Hezbollah, had led the group's communications operations since 2000, Caliber.Az reports citing IDF's press service.

With close ties to senior Hezbollah officials, he was a key figure within the organization, tasked with ensuring seamless communication across all Hezbollah units and formations during both regular and emergency situations.

This strike follows a separate operation where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) neutralized Mahmoud Yousef Anisi, a key leader in Hezbollah's precision-guided missile project. The airstrike, based on Israeli intelligence, was also carried out in the Beirut area. Anisi, who had been with Hezbollah for over 15 years, was an expert in mechanical engineering and instrumental in advancing the group's strategic weapons capabilities.

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Dutch government has begun evacuating its citizens from Lebanon. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced that the first military transport plane has already departed, with a second flight planned for the following day. The Netherlands is also preparing for a potential evacuation from Israel, should the situation worsen. Approximately 400 Dutch nationals have so far requested assistance to leave Lebanon, according to the Dutch Foreign Ministry.

Approximately 350 American citizens and holders of U.S. residence permits evacuated Lebanon over the past week on flights organized by the U.S. government, the State Department said.

The report states, "About 350 U.S. citizens, green card holders, and their families left Lebanon this week on flights arranged by the U.S." The final flight from Lebanon landed in Frankfurt early October 4 morning, originally intended for 300 passengers but carrying only 97 individuals.

On September 23, Israel launched "Northern Arrow," a military operation aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and securing its northern border. This operation escalated significantly on September 27, when Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel on the night of October 1. That same night, Israel initiated a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli actions, stating that the ongoing aggression poses an existential threat to Lebanon.

By Tamilla Hasanova