Shelling escalates: Hundreds killed, tensions rise in Beirut conflict
In recent days, tensions in the Middle East have been rising. Shelling conducted since Monday, September 23, towards Beirut, has resulted in a tragic toll so far – several hundred people have died, including high-ranking Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Kubaisi. The Israeli army is intensifying attacks on the group's targets in Lebanon – but what weapons might Hezbollah use in response?
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is deepening. The long-standing tensions have escalated into bloody attacks in recent days. One of these was an operation carried out in Lebanon by Israeli forces using modified pagers that exploded immediately upon receiving a message.
increasing tensions in the Middle East
Shortly afterward, Israel conducted massive shelling towards Lebanon. The strikes, which began on Monday, September 23, have resulted in several hundred deaths – the latest figures report over 550 fatalities and nearly 2,000 wounded.
What means might Hezbollah use in response? Let's recall that this Shia group is one of the main components of the Lebanese government and is considered very well-equipped and trained. Here's an overview of Hezbollah's arsenal.
Hezbollah's arsenal
The group not only possesses many types of rockets and weapon systems but is also developing modern technologies, such as drones. However, it has relatively few infantry units – especially compared to Israel's 170,000-strong army. Hezbollah has about 30,000 soldiers in active service, with nearly an equal number in reserve, about 20,000.
A portion of Hezbollah's arsenal is thanks to Iran. Tehran supplies the organization with various types of drones that are used not only for strikes but also for aerial surveillance. Iran not only supplies this equipment but also produces it.
Therefore, Hezbollah has an extensive range of unmanned weaponry, such as drones. These primarily include Mirsad 1/Ababil-T drones with a range of over 100 kilometres, Mohajer 4 drones reaching a distance of 150 kilometres from the launch point, and the Ma'arab drone with a range of 200 kilometres. However, the most valuable UAVs are the Karrar, with a reach of 1,000 kilometres, and the Shahed-129, reaching up to 2,000 kilometres.
Hezbollah’s arsenal also includes BM-21 Grad 122 mm rocket launchers, which are popular Soviet self-propelled rocket launchers from the 1960s. They can strike targets up to 20 kilometres away. With a maximum speed of about 80 kilometres per hour and a range exceeding 400 kilometres, they are mobile and can easily move on the front line. Additionally, there are BM-27 Uragan 220 mm launchers capable of hitting targets up to 60 kilometres away.
The Lebanese organization also possesses Bastion systems, which are used to combat naval units. These advanced Russian-made missile systems have enormous offensive potential and can attack large enemy naval vessels.
Thousands of rockets in the arsenal
However, the most noteworthy are the missiles and rockets in Hezbollah's arsenal. The group is reported (according to sources cited by CNN) to possess between 120,000 and 200,000 different missiles. These include various ballistic missiles, including Iranian Zelzal-1 and Zelzal-2, capable of attacking targets 125-210 kilometres away. The most dangerous weapons in the organization’s arsenal are the Fateh-110 ballistic missiles, which can reach distances of 300 kilometres and carry very precise warheads thanks to inertial and satellite navigation, as well as SCUD-B/C/D missiles with a range of up to 500 kilometres.
In Hezbollah's arsenal, smaller units used for attacks below a 100-kilometre range are primarily the Khaibar-1 (range of 100 kilometres), the Fajr-5 (range of 75 kilometres), and its smaller version, the Fajr-3, which reaches a distance of 40 kilometres.
