Artorias Middle East Daily OSINT Report 09/27/24 21:00 Est.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 27, 2024 21:00 EST.

Major Escalation Between Israel and Hezbollah: Airstrikes, Retaliations, and Global Tensions Rise.

Today, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) conducted a significant airstrike targeting Hezbollah headquarters in the Dahieh Suburb of Beirut. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck the underground facility at approximately 11:20 AM EST, reportedly where senior Hezbollah leaders were present.

Key Developments:

- Multiple Israeli, Western, and Arab sources report Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah was in the underground facility at the time of the strike. Israel’s N12 assessed that Nasrallah was likely killed, though Arab, Iranian, and Hezbollah media claimed he survived. Communication with Hezbollah’s senior leadership remains disrupted.

- The Israeli airstrike has prompted an escalation, with Hezbollah launching dozens of rockets targeting northern Israel, including one that struck Safed, injuring a civilian.

- Iranian State Media and the New York Times reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader convened the Supreme National Security Council in response to the Israeli strike. The involvement of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Quds Forces personnel in the attack heightens the tension.

- The IAF has conducted additional airstrikes across southern Lebanon, specifically targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. Strikes in Beirut reached an intensity not seen since the 2006 Lebanon War.

Additionally, the Houthis in Yemen claimed to have launched a significant attack on U.S. Navy vessels operating in the Red Sea. U.S. media outlets reported that the USS Spruance, USS Stockdale, and USS Indianapolis intercepted nearly two dozen missiles and drones. No U.S. naval vessels were damaged, and no personnel were injured.

Artorias Intelligence Analysis:

This airstrike targeting a critical Hezbollah military headquarters marks a major escalation in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Artorias assesses that key Hezbollah figures, potentially including Hassan Nasrallah, were likely killed. Israel is expected to expand its airstrike campaign in Lebanon, while Hezbollah is likely to increase rocket fire and potentially use ballistic or cruise missiles in retaliation.

In Iran, the convening of the Supreme National Security Council signals a serious concern over the situation. While we do not expect Iran to take immediate retaliatory action within the next 48 hours, Artorias will closely monitor any developments, particularly any movements by Iran’s Al Ghadir Missile Command.

Artorias will continue to provide real-time intelligence updates as the situation evolves.

For further information, please contact:

Stefano Ritondale [CIO]

stefano@artorias.com