The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the successful elimination of Ibrahim Aqil, a senior Hezbollah commander involved in the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marines barracks in Beirut, during a targeted airstrike on Friday. Aqil, who led Hezbollah’s Operations Unit, was killed alongside other high-ranking Hezbollah members in an underground location in southern Beirut.
Aqil had been a key figure in Hezbollah since the 1980s and was responsible for organizing several terrorist attacks, including the 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing and multiple assaults on Israeli forces. His most recent role included overseeing Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” plan, an operation aimed at infiltrating Israeli communities.
The U.S. government had placed a $7 million bounty on Aqil, highlighting his involvement in the 1983 Marines barracks bombing, which killed 241 American service members.
IDF officials stated that the strike was carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties, as Aqil and his commanders were using a residential building as cover. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized that the IDF would continue to target Hezbollah leadership to protect Israeli citizens.
The death of Aqil is expected to weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities, particularly its elite Radwan Forces, which Aqil commanded. The IDF remains vigilant, conducting operations on multiple fronts to ensure the safety of Israel’s citizens.
