THE EARLY PHOENIX
September 30, 2024
★ ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH WAR
Israeli Airstrikes Intensify Across Lebanon, Soldier and Civilians Killed
Israeli warplanes targeted the town of Umm al-Tout and the Marjayoun plain, striking Hezbollah rocket launch platforms and weapons storage facilities in the Bekaa region. An airstrike in Beirut’s residential area killed four civilians. Additionally, a Lebanese soldier was the first to be confirmed dead after an Israeli drone struck a motorcycle at a checkpoint in the Wazzani border area. Additional strikes in Beirut and surrounding areas have intensified tensions, with recent operations leaving over 100 casualties as Israel aims to curtail Hezbollah’s capabilities.
Hezbollah’s Deputy Leader Declares Readiness for IDF Ground Offensive
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, stated the group is prepared for any Israeli ground operation following the assassination of Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Despite losing commanders and facing Israeli attacks on civilians, Hezbollah remains committed to defending Lebanon and supporting Gaza. Israeli special forces have already conducted small raids into Lebanon, including operations in Hezbollah tunnels. Qassem’s speech reaffirmed Hezbollah’s resolve to continue its mission despite recent losses.
Lebanon Ready to Deploy Army South of Litani River
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed Lebanon’s readiness to implement UN Resolution 1701 and deploy the army south of the Litani River. Following a meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri, Mikati stated Lebanon’s commitment to the immediate ceasefire and fulfilling all points outlined in a joint call by the U.S., EU, and other regional countries. Lebanon officially supports the ceasefire and the full implementation of the resolution to maintain peace.
Israel Rejects Ceasefire with Hezbollah, Demands Disarmament
Israel rejected a ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah, stating it would only agree if Hezbollah is disarmed and pushed north of the Litani River. Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz conveyed this message to over 25 foreign ministers. Israel insists that the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions is required for any ceasefire. Until these conditions are met, Israel will continue its military operations to ensure the safety of its citizens and northern residents.
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★ YEMEN
American Reconnaissance Drone Crashes in Yemen’s Saada Province
A U.S. reconnaissance drone reportedly crashed in Yemen’s northern Saada province, according to local sources. The unmanned MQ-9 drone was conducting surveillance operations when it went down in the airspace over Saada. Local reports indicate an increase in drone activity in recent days, sparking concerns among Houthi forces about potential targeting of their leader. The U.S. Central Command has yet to confirm the incident or provide details on whether the drone crashed or was shot down.
Houthi Leader to Al Jazeera Net: Yemen’s Response to Hodeidah Strike is Coming
A prominent Houthi leader has vowed an open war and devastating strikes against Israel in response to its airstrikes on Hodeidah province in western Yemen. Ali Al-Qahoom, a member of the political bureau of Ansar Allah (Houthis), told Al Jazeera Net that “Israel committed a new criminal aggression against civilian installations in Hodeidah, violating Yemen’s sovereignty.” He stressed that “these crimes will not be forgotten, and they will not deter Yemen from supporting Gaza and Lebanon, regardless of the circumstances.”
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★ IRAQ
Islamic Resistance in Iraq Targets Four Vital Sites in Israel with Missiles and Drones
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced in a statement that its fighters attacked four vital targets in Israel early Monday, September 30, 2024. The strikes, carried out using missiles and drones, were described as a response to the atrocities committed by Israel against civilians in Palestine and Lebanon, including women, children, and the elderly. The group emphasized that this operation continues their resistance against occupation and support for the people of Palestine and Lebanon.
Iraqi Military Factories Produce Armored Vehicles
Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari announced on Monday the delivery of the first batch of armored vehicles produced by Iraqi military factories. These vehicles will be distributed among rapid intervention forces and tactical units across various provinces. He also noted that more than ten contracts have been signed with the Military Industrialization Commission.
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★ SYRIA
Hezbollah Leaders Fled To Syria Through Newly Discovered Tunnels
Bloomberg reported that Hezbollah constructed a network of tunnels along the Syrian-Lebanese border as its leaders fled to Syria. The IDF’s planned operations aim to dismantle tunnels, hideouts, and weapon caches to ensure the safety of nearby Israeli communities.
Israeli Strike Targets Villa Linked to Hezbollah, Sends Warning to Maher Assad
An Israeli strike targeted a villa frequented by Hezbollah and Iranian Revolutionary Guard leaders, located in Yaafour. The villa, associated with Hezbollah and Iranian leaders, was targeted during the recent high-profile assassinations in the region. Israel warned Maher Assad, commander of Syria’s Fourth Division, that transferring weapons to Lebanon would make him a military target. Sources confirmed Maher Assad was not at the villa during the strike, as he was reportedly outside Damascus at the time. This strike follows the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, with Israel repeatedly targeting Hezbollah’s arms supply routes near Lebanon.
Murder of 37 Terrorists in Two Separate U.S. Strikes in Syria
The U.S. Central Command confirmed killing 37 terrorists, including ISIS and Hurras al-Din leaders, in two separate strikes in Syria. The first strike on September 24 targeted northwest Syria, killing nine terrorists, including a high-ranking leader from Hurras al-Din group. The second strike on September 16 hit an ISIS training camp in central Syria, resulting in at least 28 terrorist casualties.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Israel Avoids Eliminating Sinwar Due to Fear of Hostage Harm
Israel had an opportunity to eliminate Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar but refrained, fearing harm to hostages held nearby. According to an N12 report, Israel received information about Sinwar’s location but deemed the operation too risky because of hostages close to him. Sinwar is allegedly hiding in Gaza tunnels, using hostages as human shields.
Israel Airstrike Kills Hamas Leader and Family in Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon killed Hamas leader Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, his wife, son, and daughter in Tyre. Sherif, who coordinated Hamas’s activities with Hezbollah, was also an UNRWA employee under investigation. The strike also targeted three senior members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Beirut. This operation underscores Israel’s efforts to dismantle terror networks in Lebanon.
Israeli Army Kills 11 Palestinians, Including Journalist, in Gaza
Israeli airstrikes killed 11 Palestinians, including journalist Wafa al-Adini, in Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah in Gaza. The Government Media Office condemned the killing of al-Adini, raising the journalist death toll to 174 since the conflict began. The war, which erupted after Hamas’s October 7 attack, has resulted in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and 96,000 injuries.
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★ IRAN
Netanyahu Supports Iranians, Promises Peaceful Future
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly supported the Iranian people, criticizing their government’s war-centric policies and neglect of domestic welfare. He condemned the regime’s excessive spending on conflicts and nuclear programs, advocating for investments in the people’s needs instead. Netanyahu envisioned a future of peace between Israel and a liberated Iran, marked by mutual advancements in tourism, technology, and global investment. He encouraged Iranians to oppose their government’s oppressive tactics, emphasizing a shared goal of prosperity and peace.
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