Taleb Sami Abdullah : “Israel Kills Hezbollah Commander, Rockets Fired from Lebanon”

Multiple rockets were fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel on Wednesday morning, in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of four officials from the militant Hezbollah group, including a high-ranking military commander.

The Israeli military reported detecting around 90 projectiles, some of which were successfully intercepted. The airstrikes caused several fires in the targeted areas.

The slain commander, Taleb Sami Abdullah, 55, known as Hajj Abu Taleb within Hezbollah, was one of the most senior figures to be killed during the ongoing conflict that began eight months ago. His death occurred amidst escalating tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, with Hezbollah increasing its attacks on northern Israel and Israeli airstrikes penetrating deep into Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV confirmed the launch of rockets from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel, triggering sirens in the Israeli regions. An unnamed Hezbollah official stated that Abdullah led the group’s Nasr Unit, responsible for parts of south Lebanon near the Israeli border.

The Israeli strike that claimed Abdullah’s life targeted a meeting at a house in Jwaya, situated approximately 10 kilometers from the border. The attack also resulted in the deaths of three other officials.

Since the conflict began, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of over 400 individuals, primarily Hezbollah members. The casualties also include more than 70 civilians and non-combatants. On the Israeli side, 15 soldiers and 10 civilians have lost their lives during the war.

AP writer Bassem Mroue contributed to this report.

Hezbollah confirms death of senior commander Taleb Sami Abdullah

Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, announced the death of one of its commanders, identified as Taleb Sami Abdullah or “Hajj Abu Taleb,” in the latest round of clashes with Israel.

While specific details regarding the circumstances of his death were not provided, Hezbollah referred to Abdullah as a “martyr on the road to Jerusalem,” a term used for individuals killed in the conflict with Israel. A photo of Abdullah alongside Wissam al-Tawil, another senior commander killed earlier in January, was released by Hezbollah.

The Israeli military has not issued a statement regarding Abdullah’s demise.

Recent weeks have witnessed heightened cross-border confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following Israel’s incursion into the strategic southern Gaza city of Rafah. Hezbollah has retaliated by launching attacks deeper into Israeli territory and introducing more sophisticated weaponry.

Israeli drone strikes have targeted numerous Hezbollah members since clashes erupted on October 8, a day after the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The toll in Lebanon stands at over 400 casualties, predominantly Hezbollah fighters, with more than 70 civilians and non-combatants among the deceased. On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 15 soldiers and 10 civilians.