Overnight Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs have destroyed dozens of anti-ship missiles stored by Hezbollah in Beirut, the Israeli military announced on Saturday.

The missiles, including advanced Chinese and Iranian models, were kept in six warehouses under buildings in the Lebanese capital, the statement noted. 

Hezbollah’s stockpile included Chinese-made C-704 and C-802 missiles, as well as Iranian-made Ghader missiles, which have ranges of up to 200 kilometers. These weapons were stored, operated, and maintained by an elite Hezbollah unit, which the Israeli army describe as highly experienced.

This specialized unit has a long history, with some members participating in the 2006 attack on the Israeli Navy’s INS Hanit, which resulted in the deaths of four sailors, the Israeli military added. 

It pointed out that the missiles posed a significant threat not only to Israeli Navy ships but also to civilian maritime traffic and strategic infrastructure at sea and near the Israeli coast. 

The military also noted that these missiles could have been launched within minutes from their locations in Beirut, heightening the sense of urgency in conducting the strikes.