Damascus, Syria – Very preliminary reports have surfaced that Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Forces, has been assassinated in an attack near Damascus. Details about the incident are still emerging.
Who is Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh?
Brig. Gen. Hajizadeh was a prominent figure within the IRGC, holding the significant position of Commander of the Aerospace Forces. He was considered a key strategist and was allegedly responsible for orchestrating numerous operations and attacks attributed to the IRGC, including April's drone and missile attack against Israel.
The April 13, 2024 attack by Iran on Israel involved around 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles launched at Israeli targets. Referred to as “Operation True Promise,” the attack was seen as retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that resulted in the death of seven IRGC officers.
Israel successfully intercepted the majority of these incoming threats, with a reported interception rate of 99%. The high interception rate was achieved through the use of Israel's advanced multi-layered air defense system, which includes the Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow 2 and 3 and the new Iron Beam laser defense system, working in conjunction to provide comprehensive coverage against short, medium and long-range threats.
Furthermore, the United States and other allies, including the U.K., France and Jordan, played a critical role in bolstering Israel's defense. U.S. forces, for instance, intercepted a substantial number of drones and missiles. Coordination was conducted from the Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, effectively avoiding friendly fire incidents.
In the past 24 hours events in the Middle East have intensified tensions between Iran, Israel and their respective allies.
Airstrike in Tehran
In a predawn airstrike on Wednesday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran just hours after attending the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The strike has been attributed to Israeli forces. Following the attack, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared that it is Iran's duty to “take revenge” against Israel.
Airstrike in Beirut
On Tuesday, Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. Shukr was reportedly responsible for a recent drone strike that killed a dozen Israeli children playing soccer over the weekend. Shukr was also wanted for his involvement in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings, which killed around 300 American and French soldiers.
This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates.
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