US-Made Weapons Used in Israeli Airstrike Killing Hezbollah Leader

Reuters, citing a US senator, reports that American-made guided weapons were used in the Israeli airstrike that killed top Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. Senator Mark Kelly, chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, specifically identified the munitions as 2,000-lb (900-kg) Mark 84 series bombs, often referred to as bunker-busters.

Details of the Airstrike and US Involvement

According to Senator Kelly, “We see more use of guided munitions, JDAMs, and we continue to provide those weapons…That 2,000-pound bomb that was used, that’s a Mark 84 series bomb, to take out Nasrallah.” JDAMs, or Joint Direct Attack Munitions, convert standard unguided bombs into guided weapons using fins and a GPS guidance system. The US, a long-standing ally and major arms supplier to Israel, has significantly increased its arms shipments since the October 7th Israel-Hamas war. However, The Guardian reports that the White House was not informed of the airstrike beforehand; President Biden learned of the operation only after Israeli planes were already airborne.

Escalation of Conflict and Casualties

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have intensified their strikes on Lebanon, killing at least seven Hezbollah commanders in a single week. Besides Nasrallah, these include Nabil Kaouk (deputy head of Hezbollah’s Central Council) and Ali Karaki, among others. Further Israeli bombardment on Sunday resulted in significant civilian casualties, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting over 100 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

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