Airstrike Eliminates Senior Hezbollah Commander

An Israeli airstrike near the Southern Lebanese coastal city of Tyre on Wednesday successfully targeted one of the most senior Hezbollah commanders since the onset of the conflict, the terror group confirmed. Muhammad Nimah Nasser, also known as “Hajj Abu Nimah,” was struck down in an operation marking a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership structure.

According to Reuters, Nasser held a rank and significance comparable to Sami Taleb Abdullah, the highest-ranking terrorist eliminated by the IDF since Hezbollah joined the war in support of Hamas on October 8. Nasser’s death was confirmed by Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Akhbar, which bestowed upon him the title of “martyr commander.” Only two other slain terrorists have received this honorific title in recent months, according to Israel’s Ynet.

Lebanese security sources informed Reuters that Nasser commanded the “Aziz” unit, overseeing terror operations along the southern border. The IDF confirmed this in their statement, revealing, “Nasser entered his position in 2016 and led the rockets and anti-tank missile attacks from southwestern Lebanon toward Israeli civilians, communities, and security forces. He also directed numerous terrorist attacks toward Israel both during and before the war and held several central roles within Hezbollah.”

Describing Nasser as a counterpart to Sami Taleb Abdullah, the IDF highlighted the strategic importance of his elimination. After Abdullah was killed in June, Hezbollah launched a significant barrage of rockets and explosive drones towards Israel’s northern regions, causing fires and lightly wounding two civilians.

Following the announcement of Nasser’s death, air-raid alerts sounded in northern Israel, including Kiryat Shmona and Kibbutz Manara, as residents sought shelter from potential retaliatory rocket attacks. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing approximately 100 Katyusha rockets towards military sites in the Golan Heights and Galilee. These attacks, which resulted in fires but no immediate injuries or damages, continued the near-daily assaults from Hezbollah since October 8. The persistent violence has killed over 20 people and displaced tens of thousands of Israeli civilians.

In a recent interview, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over Israel’s security, stating that the country has “effectively lost sovereignty” over its northern territory due to the ongoing attacks. He emphasized the need for action to restore confidence and safety for residents to return home.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to maintain the attacks until a “complete and permanent ceasefire” is achieved in Gaza. Meanwhile, the IDF is preparing for a possible large-scale operation to push Hezbollah north of the Litani River, aligning with the goals of the 2006 UNSC Resolution 1701. Diplomatic sources suggest the campaign could launch as early as this month.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant affirmed the IDF’s readiness during a visit to troops in the south, stating, “We are striking Hezbollah very hard every day, and we will also reach a state of full readiness to take any action required in Lebanon or to reach an arrangement from a position of strength.” He added that tanks currently leaving Gaza could be mobilized as far as the Litani River if necessary. “We prefer a deal, but if reality forces us, we will know how to fight,” Gallant concluded.

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