Ali Mussa Daqduq, a senior Hezbollah commander with alleged ties to Iran’s Quds Force and a history of involvement in attacks against American forces, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Syria. The strike, confirmed by a senior US defense official, marks a significant development in ongoing regional tensions, as reported by NBC News.
High-Value Target
Daqduq gained notoriety for orchestrating a 2007 attack on a US-Iraqi military compound in Karbala, which resulted in the deaths of five American soldiers. Militants, disguised as US military personnel, infiltrated the compound, killed one soldier, and captured four others who were later executed. The sophisticated raid, involving US uniforms and English-speaking assailants, was traced back to support and training from Iran’s Quds Force, an elite unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Israeli Airstrike
Details of the airstrike, including its exact timing and location, remain undisclosed. It is unclear if Daqduq was specifically targeted or if his death was collateral to a broader operation. The Israeli military has not commented, nor has the Pentagon issued an official statement on the matter.
Background on Daqduq
Captured by US forces in Iraq in March 2007, Daqduq admitted under interrogation that he had received intelligence and training support from the Quds Force for the Karbala operation. He was detained for years but was handed over to Iraqi authorities in December 2011 as US forces withdrew from Iraq. Despite assurances from Iraq that Daqduq would face prosecution, he was released within months, triggering outrage among US officials and lawmakers.
Reaction and Implications
The reported killing of Daqduq is seen as a blow to Hezbollah and its operations in the region. His death highlights the ongoing covert conflict involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran’s proxy networks in Syria. The strike is also significant for its potential impact on the broader geopolitical landscape, given Daqduq’s involvement in one of the deadliest and most audacious attacks on US forces during the Iraq War.
While the Israeli government has yet to confirm the strike, the operation underscores the persistent threats posed by high-profile militant leaders and the extensive efforts to neutralize them.
Sources By Agencies
