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Israeli strike sets Beirut apartment building ablaze

A fireball rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Lebanon on March 10 to 11, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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A fireball rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Lebanon on March 10 to 11, 2026. (AFP Photo)
March 11, 2026 09:58 AM GMT+03:00

An Israeli strike hit a multistory residential building in central Beirut early in the morning, setting parts of the structure ablaze in the densely populated Aicha Bakkar area.

Videos circulating online and broadcast by local news channels from the apparent strike site showed two floors of the building engulfed in flames.

There were no immediate reports on who was targeted or the number and extent of casualties.

Strike hits building without warning

The strike came without warning and damaged one or two floors of the apartment building instead of leveling the entire structure, as has happened in other Israeli attacks across Lebanon in recent days.

The building is located several buildings away from Dar al-Fatwa, the country's highest Sunni Muslim religious authority.

The attack occurred in a part of Beirut far from the southern suburbs, where the Israeli military had previously issued evacuation warnings earlier in the renewed conflict with Hezbollah.

Fire and rescue efforts underway

The strike took place before dawn, as the sky was beginning to lighten, when people inside the building were likely asleep.

Two apartments, located one above the other, were on fire, with smoke billowing from the building as first responders worked to extinguish the blaze.

Hundreds of people gathered in the street near the site, walking through broken glass and debris following the strike.

Target and official response unclear

It was not immediately clear who the intended target of the strike was.

There was also no immediate statement from the Israeli military, and it remained uncertain when any official comment might be issued.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Lebanon late on March 10, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Lebanon late on March 10, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Densely populated residential area

The strike hit a densely populated residential neighborhood where apartment buildings are packed closely together.

The area had been considered relatively safe by residents, and displaced families who fled Dahiyeh had been sheltering there, with some sleeping in the streets.

March 11, 2026 09:58 AM GMT+03:00
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