A Lebanese security source informed AFP that an Israeli air strike targeted the Iran-backed Hezbollah group's stronghold in south Beirut on Friday. Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed it conducted a "targeted strike." The security official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, told AFP, "Israel conducted an air strike on the Beirut southern suburbs near Al-Qaem mosque." The Israeli military issued a statement asserting, "The IDF (Israeli military) conducted a targeted strike in Beirut." However, the Lebanese official noted that it was unclear what the exact target was. A thick cloud of smoke was observed rising over Beirut, as reported by a Reuters live feed, following a loud blast heard by residents in the city's southern suburbs.