IDF airstrike eliminates Hezbollah’s air defense expert

The IDF confirmed the death of a senior operative in Hezbollah’s air defense unit, Meitham Mustafa Altaar, in a drone strike in Lebanon. Known as Hadi, he led various attacks against Israel and played a key role in building Hezbollah’s arsenal through multiple trips to Iran. His elimination significantly weakens Hezbollah’s aerial defense capabilities. Lebanese media reported his death in a drone strike on the Baalbek-al-Qaa road, about 70 miles from the Israeli border. Altaar, a native of Shaat in the Bekaa district, was described as a senior military figure in Hezbollah’s missile array. Additionally, Hezbollah-owned Al Manar network reported strikes in Odaisseh and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon. Israeli Air Force conducted counterattacks in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah sites, resulting in sirens along the northern border. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in the region.