Israeli strike kills Hezbollah artillery commander in southern Lebanon

In recent weeks, he was actively working to rebuild Hezbollah’s artillery infrastructure while operating from within civilian-populated areas.

By World Israel News Staff

An Israeli airstrike was carried out Monday in southern Lebanon, killing a senior Hezbollah operative responsible for artillery activity in the Yanouh area.

The Israel Defense Forces later confirmed that the target was Ahmed Ali Salami, who served as Hezbollah’s artillery commander in the sector.

Throughout the war, Salami advanced multiple artillery and rocket-fire plans targeting IDF forces and Israeli territory.

In recent weeks, the military said, he was actively working to rebuild Hezbollah’s artillery infrastructure while operating from within civilian-populated areas in Lebanon.

The IDF acknowledged reports claiming that several uninvolved civilians were killed in the strike. According to the military, steps were taken ahead of the operation to reduce the risk of civilian harm, including the use of precision-guided munitions and aerial surveillance.

The incident is under review, and the IDF said it regrets any harm to uninvolved civilians and works to minimize such harm whenever possible.

According to the IDF, Salami’s activities constituted a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The military said it will continue to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel.

Separately, earlier on Monday, Lebanese media reported an overnight Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon.

The IDF said troops raided the Mount Dov area and arrested a senior terrorist from al-Jamaa al-Islamiyya, identified as Atwi Atwi, based on recent intelligence, and seized weapons at the site.

The group claimed Israeli forces entered the village of al-Habbariyeh and “abducted” one of its members, placing responsibility on Israel for his safety.

Hezbollah has been steadily working to expand and entrench its military presence in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire reached in November 2024.

The ceasefire followed the last round of fighting that erupted after the group joined the conflict following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, and instability has persisted along Israel’s northern border.