Thick plumes of smoke were observed billowing over Beirut on March 17, 2026. This development comes in the immediate aftermath of an aerial strike, which has been attributed to the Israeli military, exacerbating fears amid ongoing tensions in the region.
LIVE REPORT: Middle East War Escalates as Beirut Hit by Explosion Following Israeli Evacuation Order
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people