Israeli army says it has killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an air strike on Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday evening

The Israeli army said in a statement published by its Arabic-speaking spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, that the strike last night on the southern suburbs of Beirut also killed "the commander of Hezbollah's Southern Front" and several other commanders.

Hezbollah has yet to make a statement regarding the fate of its leader or on the massive strikes the day before on the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The Israeli army claim that these assassinations occurred during the strike on "the underground headquarters" of the party, "located beneath a residential building" in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

This bombing "was carried out while Hezbollah leaders were present" at that location. The statement claims that "over his 32 years at the helm" of the party, Nasrallah "has been responsible for the murder of countless Israeli citizens and soldiers" and for planning attacks against Israel "and around the world." The Israeli army "will continue to target" anyone who commits "acts of terrorism."

For 32 years Hassan Nasrallah led Hezbollah after he succeeded Abbas Moussawi who was assassinated by Israel in 1992.

Under Nasrallah’s leadership he developed Hezbollah, armed and financed by Iran, into a powerful military as well as political force, represented in parliament and government.

In the last near-12 months Nasrallah led a “front of support” on Lebanon’s southern border, in solidarity with Palestinian ally, Hamas, following its Oct.7 assault on Israel.

Previously, in 2013, he intervened militarily in neighboring Syria to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad, which was embroiled in a bloody civil war.

Designated by the U.S. and many western nations as a terrorist group, the Party of God claims to have 100,000 fighters, and possesses powerful weapons, including high-precision missiles.

The 64-year-old was a cult-like figure among his followers, particularly within the Shia Muslim community from which he hails. He wore the black turban of the Sayyed, the descendants of the Prophet Mohammed.

He was known for his oratory in speeches, broadcast live, where he used humor while also brandishing the index finger to threaten his enemies.

Nasrallah had reportedly survived multiple assassination attempts in the past and since the 34 day war between his party and Israel in 2006 he rarely appeared in public. For years his residence remained a secret.

The direction of the party, following his death, remains unknown.