Beirut was rocked by a series of explosions today, with reports indicating that an Israeli airstrike targeted an area close to the city’s international airport. The blasts sent plumes of smoke rising over the southern parts of the Lebanese capital, sparking fear and chaos among residents. According to local sources, the explosions occurred in a heavily populated area, raising concerns about potential casualties and widespread damage.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple blasts in quick succession. Soon after, social media platforms were flooded with videos showing thick black smoke billowing from the site of the explosions. Lebanese authorities have yet to confirm the exact target of the strike, but early reports suggest that it was aimed at a location just outside Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. The situation on the ground remains tense, with emergency services being dispatched to the affected areas.

The Israeli military has not released an official statement regarding the strike, but tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the militant group based in southern Lebanon, have escalated in recent weeks. Hezbollah has a strong presence in the southern suburbs of Beirut, and past Israeli strikes have targeted their facilities. This latest incident is seen by some as part of an ongoing tit-for-tat exchange between the two sides, which has raised fears of a broader conflict in the region.

Lebanon is already grappling with a series of crises, including a collapsed economy, a deteriorating political situation, and the aftermath of the massive port explosion in 2020. For many Beirut residents, this latest airstrike is a reminder of the constant threat of violence in the region. Some have expressed frustration and exhaustion, saying they feel trapped in a cycle of violence that has no end in sight.

As the situation continues to develop, international leaders have called for restraint on both sides. The United Nations has urged Israel and Hezbollah to avoid further escalation, warning that any increase in hostilities could have devastating consequences not only for Lebanon but for the wider Middle East. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials are expected to make a formal statement in the coming hours.