IDF Strikes Iranian Quds Force Operative Near Beirut
Airstrike Targets Weapons Smuggling and Terrorism Efforts
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an aerial strike on an Iranian Quds Force operative near the village of Sill, close to Beirut, on Thursday afternoon. The operation targeted an individual involved in weapons smuggling and the promotion of attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. According to military sources, the operative was working on behalf of the Iranian Quds Force, a unit that extends the reach of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) beyond Iran.
Role of the Quds Force
The Quds Force is recognized as the operational arm of the IRGC outside of Iran, responsible for establishing and maintaining Iranian proxy forces across the Middle East. Over the years, it has provided significant support to groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi movement in Yemen, as well as various Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq. These groups collectively form what has been described as a “ring of fire” surrounding Israel. Moreover, the Quds Force has been linked to orchestrating terrorist attacks abroad, targeting individuals and interests associated with Israel.
Recent Developments in Iranian Leadership
Reports indicate that Ismail Qaani, the current commander of the Quds Force, was previously eliminated in an initial strike of Operation “With a Lion’s Might.” Following the strike, he was spotted celebrating a “victory” in Tehran’s Revolution Square after a ceasefire was reached. Qaani, who took over the command of the Quds Force in 2020 after the death of the highly regarded Qassem Soleimani, has played a crucial role in Iran’s military strategy in the region.
Engagement from Iranian Revolutionary Guards
In a notable development, the Persian account of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad on social media platform X stated that they have received inquiries from Iranian Revolutionary Guard members. The message noted, “We expected this, but not like this,” referencing how hundreds of soldiers and offstartrs dissatisfied with the current regime are seeking communication. The Mossad assured potential contacts that they would reach out, prioritizing those who had not received their salaries from the regime this month.
In a separate post, the Mossad’s account dismissed claims made by a user identifying as Qaani, who stated, “I will never cease to fight for Iran and for the supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.” The user characterized Israeli claims as mere propaganda and alleged that they were not affiliated with Mossad, positioning himself as a threat to the agency.
The Mossad has not denied any association with the X account, which appears to be semi-official and has garnered over 33,000 followers since its launch last month.
Implications of the IDF Strike
The airstrike underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iranian proxy forces in the region. By targeting operational leaders involved in terrorism and weapons trafficking, the IDF aims to disrupt the capabilities of hostile groups and deter future attacks against Israeli interests. As the situation evolves, the responses from Iranian leadership and the involvement of various factions within the IRGC will likely influence the broader dynamics in the Middle East