Israel reportedly used 900kg US-made bomb in strike that killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah

US Senator Mark Kelly revealed on Sunday that Israel used an American-made guided weapon to kill Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The weapon in question was a 2,000-pound (900 kg) Mark 84 series bomb, according to Kelly, marking a pivotal moment in the escalating conflict.

Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah for over three decades, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Friday. His death creates a significant void in Hezbollah's leadership at a time of heightened tensions in the region.

Israel used 2,000-pound bomb to target Nasrallah

Speaking about the strike, Kelly, who heads the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, told reporters: ¡°We see more use of guided munitions, JDAMs, and we continue to provide those weapons.¡± JDAM refers to Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and he added, ¡°That 2,000-pound bomb that was used, that¡¯s a Mark 84 series bomb, to take out Nasrallah,¡± as reported by Reuters.

Although the United States is Israel¡¯s main arms supplier, especially since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the White House clarified that Israel did not inform them beforehand about the strike on Nasrallah. US President Joe Biden only became aware of it once Israeli planes were already airborne.

Nasrallah¡¯s body was reportedly recovered on Saturday, according to an AFP source. His remains were washed and placed in a shroud, though no plans for his funeral or burial have been confirmed.

Nasrallah had been regarded as one of Lebanon¡¯s most powerful figures, leading Hezbollah since its formal inception in 1985. He was born in 1960 and played a key role in the group¡¯s anti-Israel stance, positioning the organization as Israel¡¯s foremost enemy.

Israel tracked Nasrallah using substance on his hand

A surprising detail about the airstrike emerged from a report by IANS, stating that a man of Iranian origin had managed to shake hands with Nasrallah, smearing a substance on him that allowed Israeli forces to track his movements. This substance ultimately led to the precision strike.

Though Nasrallah¡¯s body was found intact, speculation has arisen that he may have died from suffocation, possibly indicating a painful end.

Who will lead Hezbollah after Nasrallah¡¯s death?

With Nasrallah¡¯s death, Hezbollah faces the daunting task of finding a successor. The group¡¯s leadership does not include anyone as respected or influential as Nasrallah. His cousin, Hashem Safieddine, is widely viewed as the most likely candidate to succeed him, having overseen the organization¡¯s political affairs.

However, it remains unclear if Safieddine survived the Israeli assault. Hezbollah¡¯s statement following Nasrallah¡¯s death made no reference to a successor, and the group¡¯s Shura Council is expected to convene in the coming days or weeks to determine its next leader.

7 Hezbollah commanders killed in Israeli escalation

Nasrallah¡¯s death was part of a broader campaign by Israel, which has intensified its operations against Hezbollah in the past week. This escalation has resulted in the deaths of seven high-ranking commanders within the organization, including Nabil Kaouk, who was seen as a potential successor to Nasrallah.

The other Hezbollah leaders who were killed in recent airstrikes include Ibrahim Aqil, Ahmad Wehbe, Ali Karaki, Mohammad Surour, and Ibrahim Kobeissi. This wave of losses has dealt a major blow to Hezbollah¡¯s leadership, raising concerns about the group's ability to maintain its influence.

Israeli airstrikes target Houthi rebels in Yemen

Israel¡¯s military actions are not limited to Hezbollah. On Sunday, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen following missile attacks by Houthi militants on Israel over the previous two days. According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted power plants and a seaport in the Ras Issa and Hodeidah regions.

The military stated, ¡°Over the past year, the Houthis have been operating under the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in order to attack the State of Israel, undermine regional stability, and disrupt global freedom of navigation.¡±

Israel uses pager bombs against Hezbollah

Also Read: Who is Hashem Safieddine, the possible successor to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah?

In a separate covert operation, Israeli intelligence reportedly targeted Hezbollah members using pager bombs. Earlier this month, several members of the group were killed, and over 2,000 injured, when explosives embedded in their pagers detonated. This operation further weakened Hezbollah's ranks and highlighted Israel¡¯s advanced intelligence capabilities in their ongoing confrontation with the organization.

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