IDF Eliminates Islamic Jihad Rocket Commander in Precision Strike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) confirmed the elimination of Anas Muhammad Saadi Masri, commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s (PIJ) northern sector rocket unit. The precision airstrike, conducted earlier this month, was guided by intelligence from Aman (Military Intelligence Directorate) and the Southern Command.

Masri was a key figure in PIJ’s operations, responsible for coordinating numerous attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Since October 7, he had been actively overseeing rocket fire from northern Gaza into Israeli border communities, directing operatives who launched repeated strikes into Israeli territory.

“Extensive measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision weaponry, accurate intelligence, and aerial surveillance,” the IDF stated. The operation underscores Israel’s commitment to targeting individuals responsible for terrorism against its citizens.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a close partner of Hamas, is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union. It operates in Gaza and the West Bank and has been linked to recent attacks on Israeli civilians and Palestinian Authority forces alike. The group is also holding Israeli hostages abducted during Hamas’s October 7 invasion of southern Israel.

“We will continue to strike anyone who promotes or engages in terrorism against Israeli citizens and will work to achieve the objectives of the war,” the IDF declared.

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