Israel Eliminates Hezbollah Commander Involved In 1983 Marines Barracks Attack

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Friday that they successfully killed Ibrahim Aqil, a senior Hezbollah leader linked to the 1983 U.S. Marines barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon. The strike, which targeted an underground Hezbollah meeting in southern Beirut, eliminated Aqil and several other high-ranking terrorists.

According to the IDF, Aqil was the head of Hezbollah’s Operations Unit and commander of the elite Radwan Forces. His primary responsibility was organizing attacks against Israel, including the “Conquer the Galilee” plan, which aimed to infiltrate northern Israel and kill civilians. The IDF noted that Aqil had long been a key player in Hezbollah’s terrorist activities, both inside and outside of Lebanon.

The U.S. government had placed a $7 million bounty on Aqil due to his role in the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marines barracks, which claimed the lives of 241 American servicemen. His involvement in the bombing was part of Hezbollah’s “Islamic Jihad Organization,” responsible for orchestrating attacks outside Lebanon.

In a statement, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that the airstrike successfully targeted Aqil and other senior operatives while they were meeting underground. He emphasized that Hezbollah had been using civilians as human shields by hiding beneath a residential building in Beirut. However, the IDF took care to minimize civilian casualties during the operation.

Israel’s action comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Hezbollah planning further assaults on Israeli citizens. The IDF remains committed to neutralizing Hezbollah’s leadership and degrading its capabilities to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians.

This strike is part of Israel’s broader effort to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent further violence in the region. Aqil’s death is seen as a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership and its ability to carry out future attacks.