Hezbollah is a powerful Shia Muslim organization in Lebanon, both politically and militarily, established by Iran in the early 1980s to oppose Israel's occupation of southe Lebanon.

Led by Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah since 1992, it has grown into a major political entity and is one of the world's most heavily armed non-state military forces, with an estimated 120,000-200,000 rockets and missiles.

Recent conflicts have seen increased hostilities, particularly since the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on 8 October.

Despite efforts to contain the fighting, fears of an all-out war are heightened following deadly incidents like the rocket attack on the Golan Heights, which killed 12 children and young adults.

Observers wa that the situation could escalate further if a particularly deadly incident occurs.



(colombotimes.lk)