Israeli Jets Break Sound Barrier Over Beirut After Hezbollah Attack

On July 4, 2024, the skies over Beirut were shattered by the thunderous roar of Israeli jets breaking the sound barrier. 

This dramatic display of military might came in response to a major rocket and drone attack launched by Hezbollah on northern Israel earlier that day. 

The heightened tension between Israel and Hezbollah marks another chapter in the long-standing and volatile conflict between the two.

Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli jets flew at supersonic speeds over Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, causing a series of sonic booms that reverberated across the city. 

This show of force followed Hezbollah's barrage of more than 200 rockets and a swarm of drones, which targeted northern Israel. 

The attack was a retaliatory move by Hezbollah in response to the killing of their commander, Mohammed Nasser, by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon the previous day.

While Hezbollah's attack did not result in any casualties, it caused fires in northern Israel due to drone and interceptor shrapnel. 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly retaliated, with the Air Force striking Hezbollah military structures in the areas of Ramyeh and Houla in southern Lebanon.

Since October 8, Hezbollah-led forces have been conducting near-daily attacks on Israeli communities and military posts along the border. 

These actions are purportedly in support of Gaza amidst the ongoing war against the Hamas terror group. 

The continuous skirmishes have resulted in significant casualties on both sides. 

In Israel, the conflict has claimed the lives of 10 civilians and 15 IDF soldiers and reservists. 

On the Lebanese side, Hezbollah has reported 360 of its members killed by Israeli forces, along with 65 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and dozens of civilians.

The sound of Israeli jets over Beirut serves as a stark reminder of the fragile and explosive nature of the region's geopolitical landscape. 

As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities and a return to stability.