On Friday, the Israeli military executed an airstrike in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, resulting in the death of 7 people, including top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil, and injuring 59 others. This is the third airstrike in Southern Beirut following the onset of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023. The conflict in this region has dramatically shifted from Gaza to Lebanon.
In recent days, Hezbollah has faced unprecedented attacks from Israel. This includes the Pager Attack on September 16, which led to the explosion of thousands of communication devices used by Hezbollah fighters, resulting in 37 deaths and injuring more than 3000. Hezbollah alleges an Israeli conspiracy behind the Pager Attack, although Israel has yet to comment.
Who was Ibrahim Aqil?
Ibrahim Aqil led Hezbollah's elite military unit, the Radwan Forces. He also served as the second-in-command of Hezbollah's armed forces, succeeding Fuad Shukr. Saudi Al-Hadath reported his death, confirmed by a Hezbollah insider. The U.S. State Department recognizes Aqil's involvement with Hezbollah's top military body, the Jihad Council.
Aqil was a senior member of Hezbollah’s Islamic Jihad Organization, which claimed responsibility for significant attacks, including the April 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, killing 63 people, and the October 1983 attack on the U.S. Marine Corps barracks, resulting in 241 American casualties. Aqil also directed Hezbollah fighters to capture American and German hostages in Lebanon during that period. In April 2023, the U.S. announced a $7 million reward for information on Aqil.
Fuad Shukr was killed in July 2024
On July 27 this year, Hezbollah launched a rocket attack at a football ground in Majdal Shams, Israel, causing 12 children's deaths. Israel held Fuad Shukr responsible for this attack and eliminated him on July 30, 2024, in Beirut in an airstrike that also killed Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri. Israel remains committed to protecting its citizens by continuing operations against Hezbollah threats.
IDF to Continue Operations
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the airstrike killing Hezbollah’s Operations Unit leader Ibrahim Aqil hours after the attack. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson, stated that Hezbollah has launched over 8,000 rockets, missiles, and UAVs at Israeli civilians, displacing over 60,000 Israelis. Hagari emphasized that Israel will continue its operations across all regions of Lebanon to ensure the safety of its citizens.
