Beirut, Oct 20. (dpa/GNA) – The Israeli military has carried out attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs, shortly after making threats against the Hezbollah-run financial institution, al-Qard al-Hassan.
The state-run National News Agency (NNA), reported attacks on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut late on Sunday, with eyewitnesses in Beirut saying Israel struck targets in the Chiyah area.
NNA reported that the Lebanese capital’s suburbs, known as Dahieh, were also hit. A dpa reporter in Beirut noted at least seven consecutive attacks.
Meanwhile, some areas inside the capital Beirut, where buildings with branches for al-Qard al-Hassan are located, were evacuated, like Selim Salam, Basta and Nuweiri.
On social media, the Israeli army urged people to stay away from places immediately near the al-Qard al-Hassan branches. The association contributes to financing “Hezbollah’s terrorist activities against Israel,” said an army spokesman. Anyone staying in buildings used by Hezbollah should vacate at least 500 metres away, the military said.
Al-Qard Al-Hassan is Hezbollah’s financial institution, and essentially acts as a type of bank, even though it is not registered as such. Al-Qard Al-Hassan provides interest-free loans.
GNA