The attack shook the Lebanese capital and sent thick clouds of smoke over the city. The targeted of strike was Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, according to Israeli and US media reports

An unprecedented five hours of continuous strikes early on Saturday followed Friday's attack, by far the most powerful by Israel on Beirut during nearly a year of war with Hezbollah. It marked a sharp escalation of a conflict that has involved daily missile and rocket fire between the two sides.

Iran walks a tightrope supporting Hezbollah amid escalating violence with Israel to avoid full-blown conflict and sanctions impact.

Israel says it intercepted 'some' projectiles over its territory

Lebanon's Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah led Hezbollah through decades of conflict with Israel, overseeing its transformation into a military force with regional sway and becoming one of the most prominent Arab figures in generations - with Iranian backing.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah leader killed by Israel, shaped regional conflicts, defied U.S., and led Hezbollah for 32 years.

Hassan Nasrallah is by far the most powerful target to be killed by Israel in weeks of intensified fighting with Hezbollah. Israeli military said it carried out a precise airstrike on Friday while Hezbollah leadership met at their headquarters, killing Nasrallah and other commanders.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike in South Lebanon on Friday. Hezbollah, which has been fighting Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, has suffered a significant blow with its top leader's death.

The death marks a devastating blow to Hezbollah as it reels from an intense campaign of Israeli attacks.

His death marks major blow to Iran and its allies