Nasrallah Killed, US Pledges Support to Ukraine

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — SEP 30 2024

Good morning.

Welcome to your daily international conflict briefing.

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Today’s updates:

1. 🇮🇱 Nasrallah confirmed dead.

2. 🇺🇦 US leaders pledge support to Zelensky

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the terrorist group Hezbollah, was confirmed dead after an Israeli strike in southern Beirut, capital of Lebanon.

The context 

Hassan Nasrallah was the long-serving leader of Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite terrorist group and political party based in Lebanon, backed by Iran. Formed in the early 1980s, Hezbollah has been a significant influence in the Middle East, known for its continuous fight against Israel and its influence across the region, often acting as a proxy for Iran’s interests. 

Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah developed a sophisticated military presence, including an arsenal of rockets capable of targeting Israeli territory, and became heavily involved in supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian Civil War. 

Israel views Hezbollah as one of its most dangerous enemies due to its military capabilities and Iranian backing. Over the last year Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, targeting military and civilian targets, killing many, and forcing more than 60,000 Israeli citizens from their homes. 

More from the region

On September 29, Israel also struck Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting power plants and ports used for Iranian oil and weapons imports. The strikes were in response to the earlier Houthi ballistic missile terror attacks on Israel, including one targeting Ben Gurion Airport on September 28. 

In Lebanon, the IDF continues to target Hezbollah strongholds, striking rocket launchers and weapons storage in the Bekaa Valley. The intensified campaign followed Nasrallah's death, with hundreds killed in Lebanon as the IDF targets Hezbollah operatives, who often hide themselves and their operations bases in civilian areas.

In the news

• Nasrallah confirmed dead

• IDF strikes Houthi infrastructure

• Israeli airstrikes on Beirut

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2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the current U.S. administration last week. He also spoke with Donald Trump.

The context 

Zelensky’s used his U.S. visit last week to promote a “victory plan” which includes requests for more military support from the U.S. as well as lessened restrictions on long-range weapons. Both the Biden administration and Trump pledged continuing support for Ukraine’s war effort. Zelensky also spoke before the UN General Assembly and urged global leaders to seek lasting peace, instead of just "a lull."

More from the region

On the front lines, Ukrainian forces repelled a large mechanized Russian assault attacking in the direction of Kolisnykivka and Kruhlyakivka (west of Pishchane on the Oskil River).  There were reportedly 50 Russian vehicles in the assault, 14 of which were destroyed and 26 damaged.  This and similar attacks suggest that Russian forces are trying to reach the Oskil River, though progress will likely remain slow.

Russian airstrikes also continue across Ukraine, killing at least 17 people in Kharkiv, Izmail, and the Sumy region.

In the news

• Trump pledges support for Ukraine

• Zelensky addresses UN

• Breakdown of the Russian offensive

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