The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Tuesday that their airstrikes in Lebanon eliminated Fuad Shukr, the Hezbollah commander who ordered a drone attack on a soccer field in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights that killed 12 victims, mostly children.
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The deceased terrorist also had a connection to the horrific 1983 bombing that killed 241 of our military personnel:
Shukr, who was also known as Hajj Mohsin, joined Hezbollah in 1985. He was also sought by the U.S. government over his connection to the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, which targeted U.S. Marines.
Shukr served as a senior adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at the time of his death. He died in an IDF strike on Tuesday in southern Beirut, Lebanon.
The IDF posted the news on social media:
Shukr has directed Hezbollah’s attacks on the State of Israel since October 8th, and he was the commander responsible for the murder of the 12 children in Majdal Shams in northern Israel on Saturday evening, as well as the killing of numerous Israelis and foreign nationals over the years. He was also responsible for the majority of Hezbollah’s most advanced weaponry, including precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets and UAVs.
Background: IDF Hits Targets in Beirut, Aiming at Takedown of Hezbollah Commander Behind Soccer Field Attack
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Death Toll Climbs to 12 in Hezbollah Missile Strike on Golan Heights, Officials Worry of Wider War
Video reportedly showing the aftermath of the attack shows the still smoky neighborhood:
Israel had indicated it would strike back after the gruesome Hezbollah attack that left victims strewn across the soccer field. “I can say that the State of Israel will not pass over this in silence,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned. “We will not treat it as business as usual.”
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had also vowed retaliation:
The question now is: will Hezbollah respond, and will it lead to a regional and even more devastating war?
A senior Israeli official told Fox News earlier on Tuesday that Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant was in contact with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin regarding the present situation.
“This was about sending a clear message. We don’t want to see a wider war,” the source said. “Now this is in the hands of Hezbollah. Within 24 hours after the rocket attack in the Golan Heights, this response was being discussed among other options.”
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My colleague Ward Clark pointed out that it’s a complex situation indeed:
The bill would seem to be coming due. Netanyahu’s statement that Hezbollah “crossed all red lines” is indicative of the Israeli Prime Minister’s willingness to increasingly take the fight to the enemy. At this juncture, it’s unclear as to whether Israel’s actions will be limited to air and rocket attacks or whether the IDF will stage an invasion of Lebanon; they have done so in Gaza, but Lebanon is quite a different tactical and strategic kettle of fish.
The ’83 Beirut bombing was a tragic moment in our country’s history. I’m glad to know that one of the minds behind it has met his demise.