Israeli forces likely used American-manufactured 2,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs in the recent strike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, according to an analysis by CNN.
The attack, which occurred in Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday night, employed precision-guided munitions capable of penetrating deep underground targets.
Experts who reviewed footage of the operation and its aftermath identified the bombs as BLU-109s, fitted with Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits. These "smart" bombs are known for their ability to precisely strike heavily fortified targets, making them ideal for the attack on Nasrallah's underground headquarters.
Detailed Analysis Of Weaponry Used In Strike
The Israeli military released a video showing jets carrying at least 15 2,000-pound bombs, including the US-made BLU-109. Trevor Ball, a former senior explosive ordnance technician for the US Army, identified at least four BLU-109s with JDAM kits on one of the planes featured in the footage.
These bunker busters contain 535 pounds of explosives, which is less than other 2,000-pound bombs like the MK84. This reduction in explosive weight allows for better penetration of hardened targets, making them particularly effective against underground facilities.
Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, confirmed that the crater left behind after the strike was consistent with the use of 2,000-pound BLU-109 bombs. He noted that the combination of the BLU-109 and JDAM kit is typical for targeting buried, hardened structures.
Extent Of Damage And Scale Of Operation
The attack resulted in significant destruction in Beirut's Dahiyeh area. CNN's analysis of video and satellite imagery revealed that four multi-story apartment buildings were completely leveled. The strike left a large, deep crater surrounded by rubble from the destroyed structures.
According to Israeli defense officials quoted in the New York Times, approximately 80 bombs were used in the operation against Nasrallah. While this number is difficult to confirm based on available imagery alone, experts suggest it is plausible given the extent of the damage.
Brig. Gen. Amichai Levin, commander of Israel's Hatzerim Airbase, stated:
Dozens of munitions hit the target within seconds with very high precision. This was required to hit this deep underground.
Broader Context And Implications Of The Strike
The use of 2,000-pound bombs has been a recurring feature of Israel's military campaigns, including its ongoing operations in Gaza. Weapons experts attribute the high casualty rates in these conflicts partly to the extensive use of such heavy munitions.
The blast radius of these bombs can extend up to 365 meters, potentially affecting an area equivalent to 58 soccer fields. This wide-impact zone raises concerns about civilian casualties, especially in densely populated areas.
In the aftermath of the Nasrallah strike, Israel has continued its military actions in Lebanon. Over the weekend, Israeli forces conducted strikes on approximately 45 targets near a village in southern Lebanon, resulting in over 100 casualties and 350 injuries.
The conflict has also seen an expansion of targets within Beirut itself. At least 12 locations in the Lebanese capital were struck between Friday and early Monday morning, including an attack on an apartment building near a major transportation hub in central Beirut.
Conclusion
The use of US-made 2,000-pound bombs in the strike against Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah demonstrates the precision and destructive power of modern military technology. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, with strikes expanding into new areas of Lebanon's capital. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely for potential broader regional implications.
