BEIRUT, Lebanon, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- A powerful Israeli air strike flattened a residential building in central Beirut early Saturday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 63 others, according to witnesses and the Health Ministry's initial count.
The eight-story building on Fathallah Street in the densely populated neighborhood of Basta was targeted about 4 a.m. Beirut time by at least three missiles, bringing down and badly damaging surrounding buildings.
Large explosions were heard across Beirut, and videos then circulated on social media that showed a huge cloud of smoke billowing over the targeted area.
Lebanese media reports said bunker-busting bombs were used in the attack that allegedly targeted a top Hezbollah officials. There has been no immediate confirmation from the Iran-backed militant group.
Hezbollah's Al Manar website reported that two eight story buildings were destroyed in the air strike that caused three deep craters. Surrounding buildings and cars were badly damaged.
Ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the scene to evacuate the casualties and pull survivors from under the rubble.
The Health Ministry counted 11 killed and 63 wounded, and said that the death casualty toll would be updated after DNA tests are completed on remains collected on the site. Civil defense sources said the rescue teams have so far pulled out 16 bodies.
This is the second time in a month that an Israeli strike targeted the Basta area.
Hours after, various areas in Beirut's southern suburbs were hit after Israel issued warnings to the remaining residents to evacuate, destroying more buildings allegedly used by Hezbollah.
On Thursday, Israel resumed its attacks on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs after a short lull that accompanied the visit of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to Beirut during which he discussed a draft proposal to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Also on Saturday, Israel bombed several areas in southern Lebanon, including the port city of Tyre, while Hezbollah fighters continued to battle advancing Israeli forces that reached the town of Khiyam in the Nabatiyeh district.
A total of 3,645 people have been killed and 15,355 injured in Israeli attacks since October 2003, according to the latest count by the Health Ministry.