Israeli strikes in Beirut reportedly targeted Hezbollah security chief Wafiq Safa

Israeli airstrikes in central Beirut on Thursday allegedly targeted Wafiq Safa, Hezbollah’s influential security chief, according to a source close to the group. The strikes resulted in 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Safa reportedly targeted in Israeli strikes

The source, who requested anonymity, stated that Safa was the primary target of the airstrikes, marking a shift in Israel’s approach to Hezbollah by targeting political officials. Safa, a close associate of the late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, has been a key figure in Hezbollah’s operations, particularly in managing the group’s relations with Lebanese security agencies and international entities.

Senior Lebanese armed group Hezbollah figure Wafiq Safa survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Beirut on Thursday, three security sources told Reuters.

Hezbollah cancels press conference amid security concerns

In response to the heightened tensions, Hezbollah canceled a scheduled press conference on Friday out of fear of further attacks. Israeli officials have not confirmed whether Safa was specifically targeted in the strikes.

Safa’s role in Hezbollah

Wafiq Safa, born in 1960, has been a member of Hezbollah since 1984. He is the head of the group’s Liaison and Coordination Unit and plays a central role in managing Hezbollah’s political and military activities.

Safa has also been implicated in smuggling operations and facilitating the movement of weapons and drugs through Lebanon’s ports and border crossings.

US sanctions on Safa

In 2019, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Safa under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and their supporters. The Treasury accused Safa of exploiting Lebanon’s financial and security institutions to advance Hezbollah’s agenda.