Terror Organization Leader Responsible for Multiple Murders Neutralized
Background on the Al-Mujahideen Brigades
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the elimination of the leader of the Al-Mujahideen Brigades, a militant organization implicated in several high-profile murders, including those of Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri Bivas. This group has also been linked to the abduction and murder of Gadi Hagi and Judy Weinstein, whose remains were recently recovered. Additionally, the organization was responsible for the killing of Thai national Natphong Pinta, whose body was recovered today. As of now, the Al-Mujahideen Brigades still hold start hostage, a foreign citizen.
Established at the onset of the Second Intifada in 2001, the Al-Mujahideen Brigades split from Fatah. The group originated from a former battalion of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, once led by Omar Abu Sharia, who was targeted by Israel in 2006 and died from his injuries six months later. The organization embraces a radical Salafi ideology, advocating a return to the roots of Islam through extreme actions.
Recent Developments
In April of the previous year, the Al-Mujahideen Brigades announced a series of assassinations targeting their leadership during the ongoing conflict. These included a commander from their central missile unit and another prominent member of the Deir al-Balah Brigade.
Despite previous claims that Shiri Bivas and her children died from IDF airstrikes, the IDF has asserted that Ariel and Kfir were brutally murdered while in captivity in November 2023, a fact confirmed following the identification of their remains returned in February as part of a recent negotiation.
In a joint statement released by the IDF and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) this morning, the recovery of Natphong Pinta’s body was attributed to “precise intelligence” gathered from the interrogation of a captured militant. The investigation led to the efforts aimed at locating and retrieving the body, supported by intelligence obtained from hostage command and the intelligence division. Following this intelligence, forces conducted extensive reconnaissance in the Rafah area.
Operational Details
The operation was carried out by the Southern Command, led by the Gaza Division, accompanied by the “Oketz” unit and the Yahalom special units, alongside various intelligence units. This operation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Israeli forces in dealing with militant organizations operating in the region and highlights the complex nature of counterterrorism efforts in the area.
This incident marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict and raises questions regarding the future operational capabilities of the Al-Mujahideen Brigades in light of their leadership loss and continued Israeli military pressure