In a major counterterrorism operation, Israel has killed Ibrahim Aqil, a senior Hezbollah commander linked to the 1983 U.S. Marines barracks bombing, during a targeted airstrike in Beirut. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation on Friday, stating that
Aqil was eliminated while meeting with other senior Hezbollah operatives.
Aqil had been a prominent figure in Hezbollah for decades, overseeing its Operations Unit and leading the elite Radwan Forces. He was heavily involved in orchestrating terrorist attacks, including the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and multiple attacks against Israeli civilians.
The U.S. had placed a $7 million bounty on Aqil, identifying him as a key figure behind the 1983 Marines barracks bombing that killed 241 American personnel. The IDF stated that Aqil was planning further attacks on northern Israel, as part of Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” strategy.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari of the IDF confirmed that Aqil and his commanders were using civilians as human shields by operating from an underground bunker in a residential area. Despite this, the IDF was able to eliminate the terrorist leaders without inflicting widespread civilian casualties.
The operation marks another significant victory for Israel in its ongoing battle against Hezbollah, following the recent killing of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah’s second-in-command. Israel remains on high alert, continuing to protect its citizens from Hezbollah’s terror plots.
