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{{Short description|Hezbollah militant (1961–2024)}} {{Short description|Lebanese Hezbollah commander (1962–2024)}}
{{For|the Jordanian taekwondo practitioner|Ibrahim Aqil (taekwondo)}} {{For|the Jordanian taekwondo practitioner|Ibrahim Aqil (taekwondo)}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder {{Infobox officeholder
| name = Ibrahim Aqil | name = Ibrahim Aqil
| native_name = {{nobold|ابراهيم عقيل}} | native_name = {{nobold|إبراهيم عقيل}}
| native_name_lang = ar | native_name_lang = ar
| nationality = ] | nationality = ]
| image = Ibrahim Aqil (Hezbollah).webp | image = Ibrahim Aqil (Hezbollah) (4x5 cropped).webp
| caption = Ibrahim Aqil | caption = Photo used by the ]
| imagesize = | imagesize =
| birth_date = {{Birth year|1962}} | birth_date = {{birth date|1962|12|24|1962|df=yes}}
| birth_place = ], ]<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2024 |title=Who was Ibrahim Aqil? The slain Hezbollah commander wanted for '83 Beirut barracks blast |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/who-was-ibrahim-aqil-the-slain-hezbollah-commander-wanted-for-83-beirut-barracks-blast/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> | birth_place = ], ], Lebanon<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2024 |title=Who was Ibrahim Aqil? The slain Hezbollah commander wanted for '83 Beirut barracks blast |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/who-was-ibrahim-aqil-the-slain-hezbollah-commander-wanted-for-83-beirut-barracks-blast/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2024|9|20|1962|||df=yes}} | death_date = {{death date and age|2024|9|20|1962|12|24|df=yes}}
| death_place = ], ] | death_place = ], Lebanon
| death_cause = ] by ] | death_cause = ] by ]
| party = {{flag|Hezbollah}} | party = {{flag|Hezbollah}}
| office = Member of the ] | office = Member of the ]
| term_start = | term_start =
| term_end = | term_end =
| deputy = | deputy =
| predecessor = | predecessor =
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⚫ | office1 = Commander of the ]
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⚫ | known_for = Commander in Chief of ], involvement in the ] and ]
| term_end1 =
| awards = Designated as a ] by the U.S. Department of State
| deputy1 = ]
| military_blank1 = Allegiance
| predecessor1 = ]<ref>https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1357811/what-we-know-about-hezbollahs-elite-al-radwan-unit.html</ref>
⚫ | military_data1 = {{flag|Hezbollah}}
| successor1 = ]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-821191 | title=Hezbollah's Radwan Force chooses its new lead commander - report }}</ref>
| military_blank2 = Branch/service
⚫ | otherparty = ]
| military_data2 = Hezbollah military wing
⚫ | known_for = Commander-in-chief of the ], involvement in the ] and ] in ]
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{{tree list/end}}
⚫ | allegiance = {{flag|Hezbollah}}
| unit = ]
| serviceyears = 1982–2024
}} }}
{{Hezbollah}}


'''Ibrahim Aqil''' (or '''Ibrahim Akil,''' {{lang-ar|ابراهيم عقيل}}; 1962 – 20 September 2024), also known as '''Al-Hajj Tahsin''' or '''Tahsin''',<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=3 December 2023 |title=Israel identifies Hezbollah's Ibrahim Aqil as head of the special forces Radwan unit |url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-776304 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}</ref> or by his alias '''Al-Hajj Abdul Khader''', was<ref name="IDFANC Event">{{cite web |url=https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANC200920245659845758 |title=IDFANC Event |website=idfanc.activetrail.biz |access-date=20 September 2024}}</ref> a ] militant<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Ibrahim Aqil – Rewards For Justice |url=https://rewardsforjustice.net/rewards/ibrahim-aqil/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=rewardsforjustice.net |language=en-US}}</ref> who served as a commander in chief of ]'s ].<ref name=":02"/><ref name=":2"/><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Iran orders Hezbollah to target Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-iran-orders-hezbollah-target-saudi-arabia |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> He was a member of the ], which oversees the military and security operations of the organisation.<ref name=":02"/> Some considered Aqil as the de facto Chief of Staff of Hezbollah.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=29 February 2024 |title=שקט מדומה: כך צמח ארגון הטרור הרצחני בצפון |url=https://www.mako.co.il/tv-special/Article-4c9969b2e56fd81027.htm |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=mako}}</ref> He was accused of being a key planner of assassinations targeting opponents of Hezbollah in Lebanon.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} '''Ibrahim Aqil''' ({{langx|ar|إبراهيم عقيل}}; 24 December 1962 – 20 September 2024; also known by his aliases '''Al-Hajj Tahsin'''<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=3 December 2023 |title=Israel identifies Hezbollah's Ibrahim Aqil as head of the special forces Radwan unit |url=https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-776304 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> or '''Al-Hajj Abdul Khader)''' was a Lebanese militant leader<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Ibrahim Aqil – Rewards For Justice |url=https://rewardsforjustice.net/rewards/ibrahim-aqil/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=rewardsforjustice.net |language=en-US}}</ref> who served as commander-in-chief of ]'s special operations unit, the ].<ref name=":02"/><ref name=":2"/><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Iran orders Hezbollah to target Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-iran-orders-hezbollah-target-saudi-arabia |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> He was a member of the ], which oversees the military operations of the organisation.<ref name=":02"/> Some considered Aqil as the de facto Chief of Staff of Hezbollah.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=29 February 2024 |title=שקט מדומה: כך צמח ארגון הטרור הרצחני בצפון |url=https://www.mako.co.il/tv-special/Article-4c9969b2e56fd81027.htm |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=mako}}</ref>


In the 1980s, Aqil was a key figure in ] responsible for the ] and the ].<ref name=":2"/> On 21 July 2015, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Aqil under Executive Order 13582 for his role in Hezbollah. In September 2019, the U.S. Department of State listed him as a ].<ref name=":02"/> The ] offered a reward of up to $7 million for information leading to his capture.<ref name=":2"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/370151 |title=US State Department offers $7 million reward for Hezbollah leader |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=www.israelnationalnews.com}}</ref> He is thought to have served as the deputy to ], the former commander of Hezbollah's military wing, before Shukr's death.<ref name=":4" /> In the 1980s, Aqil was a senior member in ] responsible for the ] and the ].<ref name=":2"/><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=Who is Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah commander targeted by Israel? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/20/who-is-ibrahim-aqil-the-hezbollah-commander-targeted-by-israel |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> On 21 July 2015, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Aqil under Executive Order 13582 for his role in Hezbollah. In September 2019, the U.S. Department of State listed him as a ].<ref name=":02"/> The ] offered a reward of up to $7 million for information leading to his capture.<ref name=":2"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/370151 |title=US State Department offers $7 million reward for Hezbollah leader |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=www.israelnationalnews.com}}</ref> He is thought to have served as the deputy to ], the former commander of Hezbollah's military wing, before Shukr's death.<ref name=":4" />


On 20 September 2024, Aqil was killed by an ] strike in ], Lebanon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=إعلام إسرائيلي: إبراهيم عقيل المستهدف في غارة الضاحية هو قائد العمليات الخاصة بحزب الله (العربية) ..أخر المستجدات |url=https://ar.pressbee.net/show8653013.html?title=%D8%A5%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A5%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%81-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%87%D9%88-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=برس بي |language=ar}}</ref><ref>Emanuel Fabian, ''Times of Israel'' (20 September 2024)</ref> On 20 September 2024, ] by an ] strike in ], Lebanon.<ref name="ar.pressbee.net">{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=إعلام إسرائيلي: إبراهيم عقيل المستهدف في غارة الضاحية هو قائد العمليات الخاصة بحزب الله (العربية) ..أخر المستجدات |url=https://ar.pressbee.net/show8653013.html?title=%D8%A5%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A5%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%81-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%87%D9%88-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=برس بي |language=ar}}</ref><ref>Emanuel Fabian, ''Times of Israel'' (20 September 2024)</ref>


== Biography == ==Biography==
In the 1980s, Aqil was a key figure in the ], a group affiliated with Hezbollah. The organization carried out the ] in ], killing 63 people, and the attacks on the multinational force bases in Beirut that resulted in the deaths of 305 people. During the 1980s, Aqil was responsible for the kidnapping of American and German hostages.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=אדלסון |first1=דניאל |last2=יורק |first2=ניו |last3=אייכנר |first3=איתמר |date=18 April 2023 |title=סוחר האמנות שמממן את חיזבאללה, ופרס המיליונים על ראשו של רב המחבלים |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/hk11kwv3m2 |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=Ynet |language=he}}</ref> In the 1980s, Aqil was a senior member in the ], a group affiliated with Hezbollah.<ref name=":3" /> The organization carried out the ] in ], killing 63 people, and the ] resulted in the deaths of 305 people. During the 1980s, Aqil was responsible for the kidnapping of American and German hostages.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=אדלסון |first1=דניאל |last2=יורק |first2=ניו |last3=אייכנר |first3=איתמר |date=18 April 2023 |title=סוחר האמנות שמממן את חיזבאללה, ופרס המיליונים על ראשו של רב המחבלים |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/hk11kwv3m2 |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=Ynet |language=he}}</ref>


On 4 February 2000, during the ], ] helicopters fired ] missiles at Aqil's car in the village of ], where he was serving as Hezbollah's commander of the South Lebanon sector (or the western sector in South Lebanon).<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 February 2000 |title=למרות המתיחות בצפון: 12 אלף מבקרים בסוף השבוע בחרמון - וואלה חדשות |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3731 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=וואלה |language=he}}</ref> The first missile struck the rear of the car and threw him out. He escaped and hid behind a building. The second missile destroyed the car. After being spotted hiding, another missile was fired at him and hit the wall. Aqil was lightly injured and managed to escape the incident.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=ניצל מניסיון חיסול והתאמן בצפון קוריאה: זה בכיר חיזבאללה שהיה מטרת התקיפה בדאחייה {{!}} ישראל היום |url=https://www.israelhayom.co.il/news/world-news/middle-east/article/16478998?amp=1 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Israel Hayom |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ari |first=Lior Ben |last2=Eichner |first2=Itamar |date=2024-09-20 |title=Ibrahim Aqil: Elusive Hezbollah mastermind and one of America's most wanted men |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkz5rzot0 |access-date=2024-09-20 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref> Five civilians, including an infant, were also injured.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2000 |title=Israeli Killed in Lebanon, Spurring Calls to Retaliate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/07/world/israeli-killed-in-lebanon-spurring-calls-to-retaliate.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.is/GaOVF |archive-date=20 September 2024 |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> On 4 February 2000, during the ], Israeli ] helicopters fired ] missiles at Aqil's car in the village of ], where he was serving as Hezbollah's commander of the South Lebanon sector (or the western sector in South Lebanon).<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 February 2000 |title=למרות המתיחות בצפון: 12 אלף מבקרים בסוף השבוע בחרמון – וואלה חדשות |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3731 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=וואלה |language=he}}</ref> The first missile struck the rear of the car and threw him out. He escaped and hid behind a building. The second missile destroyed the car. After being spotted hiding, another missile was fired at him and hit the wall. Aqil was lightly injured and managed to escape the incident.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=ניצל מניסיון חיסול והתאמן בצפון קוריאה: זה בכיר חיזבאללה שהיה מטרת התקיפה בדאחייה {{!}} ישראל היום |url=https://www.israelhayom.co.il/news/world-news/middle-east/article/16478998?amp=1 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=Israel Hayom |language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ben Ari |first1=Lior |last2=Eichner |first2=Itamar |date=20 September 2024 |title=Ibrahim Aqil: Elusive Hezbollah mastermind and one of America's most wanted men |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkz5rzot0 |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref> Five civilians, including an infant, were also injured.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2000 |title=Israeli Killed in Lebanon, Spurring Calls to Retaliate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/07/world/israeli-killed-in-lebanon-spurring-calls-to-retaliate.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240920165734/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/07/world/israeli-killed-in-lebanon-spurring-calls-to-retaliate.html |archive-date=20 September 2024 |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>


During the ], Aqil was responsible for coordinating intelligence between Hezbollah and the Syrian army.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2016 |title=אף מילה על ישראל |url=https://www.yediot.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4803484,00.html |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=ynet |language=he}}</ref> A month later, in September 2006, while serving as the head of Hezbollah's security and intelligence services, the "]" reported that Aqil was one of three Hezbollah operatives, along with ] and ], who visited ] for several months during the 1980s and early 1990s for training.<ref>{{Cite book |last=USA |first=IBP |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ki2yDwAAQBAJ&dq=Ibrahim+Akil+hezboolah&pg=PA211 |title=Korea North Economic & Development Strategy Handbook Volume 1 Startegic Information and Developments |date=August 2013 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-4330-2812-0 |language=en}}</ref> During the ], Aqil was responsible for coordinating intelligence between Hezbollah and the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2016 |title=אף מילה על ישראל |url=https://www.yediot.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4803484,00.html |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=ynet |language=he}}</ref> A month later, in September 2006, while serving as the head of Hezbollah's security and intelligence services, the "]" reported that Aqil was one of three Hezbollah operatives, along with ] and ], who visited ] for several months during the 1980s and early 1990s for training.<ref>{{Cite book |author=IBP USA |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ki2yDwAAQBAJ&dq=Ibrahim+Akil+hezboolah&pg=PA211 |title=Korea North Economic & Development Strategy Handbook Volume 1 Startegic Information and Developments |date=August 2013 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-4330-2812-0 |language=en}}</ref>


On 21 July 2015, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Aqil as closely tied to Hezbollah's leadership and acting on its behalf, along with other senior figures in the organization—Mustafa Badreddine, ], and Abd al-Nur Shalaan.<ref name=":2"/> He was identified as playing a key role in ] by assisting the organization's fighters and pro-Syrian regime forces against ] forces during the ]. Aqil had also been sought through several ']' by ], documenting his long history with the organization, including involvement in the kidnapping and holding of two German citizens in the late 1980s and the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leaders, Military Officials, And An Associate In Lebanon |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jl0121 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=U.S. Department of the Treasury |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah elite unit commander wanted by the US |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20240920-ibrahim-aqil-the-hezbollah-elite-unit-commander-wanted-by-the-us |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=RFI |language=en}}</ref> On 21 July 2015, the ] designated Aqil as closely tied to Hezbollah's leadership and acting on its behalf, along with other senior figures in the organization—Mustafa Badreddine, ], and Abd al-Nur Shalaan.<ref name=":2"/> He was identified as playing a key role in ] by assisting the organization's fighters and Syrian government forces against ] during the ]. Aqil had also been sought through several ']' by ], documenting his long history with the organization, including involvement in the kidnapping and holding of two German citizens in the late 1980s and the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leaders, Military Officials, And An Associate In Lebanon |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jl0121 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=U.S. Department of the Treasury |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah elite unit commander wanted by the US |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20240920-ibrahim-aqil-the-hezbollah-elite-unit-commander-wanted-by-the-us |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=RFI |language=en}}</ref>


In May 2016, following the assassination of ], Aqil was one of two candidates (alongside ]) considered to succeed him as Hezbollah's defence minister (though others identified Fuad Shukr in this role).<ref name=":0"/> In May 2016, following the assassination of ], Aqil was one of two candidates (alongside ]) considered to succeed him as Hezbollah's defence minister (though others identified Fuad Shukr in this role).<ref name=":0"/>
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On 10 September 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated him as a ].<ref name=":2" /> On 18 April 2023, the Rewards for Justice program offered a reward of up to $7 million for information about him.<ref name=":2" /> On 10 September 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated him as a ].<ref name=":2" /> On 18 April 2023, the Rewards for Justice program offered a reward of up to $7 million for information about him.<ref name=":2" />


Before his death, Aqil served as the head of Hezbollah's operations<ref name=":0" /> and was responsible for the ],<ref name=":02"/> among other things, during the ] that began following Hezbollah's attacks on Israel the day after ]' ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Smoke on the horizon: Israel-Hezbollah all-out war edges closer |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz5r18zm7lpo |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref> He also led Hezbollah's tunnel project in Lebanon.<ref name=":0" /> He was reportedly injured during the ] and released from the hospital on the day of his assassination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who is Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah commander targeted by Israel? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2024/9/20/who-is-ibrahim-aqil-the-hezbollah-commander-targeted-by-israel |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Before his death, Aqil served as the head of Hezbollah's operations<ref name=":0" /> and was responsible for the ],<ref name=":02"/> among other things, during the ] that began following Hezbollah's attacks on Israel the day after ]' ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Smoke on the horizon: Israel-Hezbollah all-out war edges closer |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz5r18zm7lpo |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref> He also led Hezbollah's tunnel project in Lebanon.<ref name=":0" /> He was reportedly injured during the ] and released from the hospital on the day of his assassination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who is Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah commander targeted by Israel? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2024/9/20/who-is-ibrahim-aqil-the-hezbollah-commander-targeted-by-israel |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> In the event of an Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Aqil's unit had planned to conduct a counter-operation, similar to the ], in northern Israel.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli airstrike was top military official on US wanted list |url=https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-hezbollah-israel-mideast-tensions-attack-8ec89de2b117b52e2c09b19155e35d13 |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> The unit would also be involved in defending southern Lebanon from an Israeli invasion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel kills elite Hizbollah commanders in Beirut strike |url=https://www.ft.com/content/ac505579-0bb7-469f-a9d7-2da42c6d3090 |work=www.ft.com}}</ref>


==Assassination== ==Assassination==
{{Main article|Assassination of Ibrahim Aqil}} {{Main article|20 September 2024 Beirut attack}}


On 20 September 2024, Israeli ] fighter jets fired four missiles at a residential building in the ] suburb of Beirut, targeting at Aqil, who was at a meeting two stories underground. The airstrike killed at least 14 people and injured another 66, and caused the building to collapse.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ari |first=Lior Ben |last2=Eichner |first2=Itamar |last3=Raban |first3=Dan |date=2024-09-20 |title=IAF kills Aqil with F-35 fighter jet and four missiles two stories underground |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1ij9hip0 |access-date=2024-09-20 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref> The Israeli military confirmed the attack targeted Aqil, and later confirmed Aqil's death.<ref name="IDFANC Event"/> Saudi reports were the first to report his death.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2024 |title=Israel targeted top Hezbollah figure in Beirut strike, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-peacekeepers-lebanon-urge-de-escalation-after-heavy-airstrikes-2024-09-20/ |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=إعلام إسرائيلي: إبراهيم عقيل المستهدف في غارة الضاحية هو قائد العمليات الخاصة بحزب الله (العربية) ..أخر المستجدات |url=https://ar.pressbee.net/show8653013.html?title=%D8%A5%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A5%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%81-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%87%D9%88-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=برس بي |language=ar}}</ref> IDF Spokesman ] said that Aqil and other top leadership of the elite Radwan Force were gathered underground when they were targeted and killed in the Israeli airstrike. He also claimed that at least 10 Hezbollah commanders were killed in the airstrike in Beirut.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emmanuel |title=Hagari: Aqil, top leadership were underground, below a residential building at time of strike |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hagari-aqil-top-radwan-force-leadership-were-underground-below-a-residential-building-at-time-of-strike/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=Times of Israel}}</ref> Hezbollah also confirmed Aqil's death.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2024 |title=Lebanon's Hezbollah confirms top military commander Ibrahim Aqil killed in Israel strike |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-confirms-top-military-commander-ibrahim-aqil-killed-israel-2024-09-20/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=Reuters}}</ref> On 20 September 2024, Israeli ] fighter jets fired four missiles at a residential building in the ] suburb of Beirut, targeting Aqil, who was at a meeting two storeys underground. The airstrike killed at least 45 people including senior Hezbollah commander Ahmed Mahmoud Wahabi, 14 other high-ranking Hezbollah militants, three children, and seven women, injured another 68, and caused two buildings to collapse.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Maziar Motamedi |author2=Zaheena Rasheed |date=22 September 2024 |title=Beirut attack toll rises |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/9/22/israels-war-on-gaza-live-israel-bombards-gaza-southern-lebanon |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |quote=Lebanon's Health Ministry has just published a statement saying that the death toll from Friday's Israeli attack on southern Beirut has risen to 45.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Federica Marsi |author2=Urooba Jamal |date=21 September 2024 |title=Death toll in Beirut attack goes up |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/9/21/israels-war-on-gaza-live-inconceivable-toll-of-human-suffering-in-gaza |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |quote=Lebanon's Health Minister says at least 31 people, including three children and seven women, were killed in the Israeli attack on southern Beirut yesterday. Another 68 people were wounded in the attack, he added. The three children among the 31 killed in Israel's attack on southern Beirut yesterday were aged four, six and 10, Lebanon's Health Minister said during a press conference.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ben Ari |first1=Lior |last2=Eichner |first2=Itamar |last3=Raban |first3=Dan |date=20 September 2024 |title=IAF kills Aqil with F-35 fighter jet and four missiles two stories underground |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1ij9hip0 |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref> The Israeli military confirmed the attack targeted Aqil, and later confirmed Aqil's death.<ref name="IDFANC Event">{{cite web |title=IDFANC Event |url=https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANC200920245659845758 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=idfanc.activetrail.biz}}</ref> Saudi reports were the first to report his death.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2024 |title=Israel targeted top Hezbollah figure in Beirut strike, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-peacekeepers-lebanon-urge-de-escalation-after-heavy-airstrikes-2024-09-20/ |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="ar.pressbee.net"/> IDF Spokesman ] said that Aqil and other top leadership of the elite Radwan Force were gathered underground when they were targeted and killed in the Israeli airstrike. He also claimed that at least 10 Hezbollah commanders were killed in the airstrike in Beirut.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emmanuel |title=Hagari: Aqil, top leadership were underground, below a residential building at time of strike |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hagari-aqil-top-radwan-force-leadership-were-underground-below-a-residential-building-at-time-of-strike/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=Times of Israel}}</ref>


Several hours later, Hezbollah confirmed Aqil's death.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2024 |title=Lebanon's Hezbollah confirms top military commander Ibrahim Aqil killed in Israel strike |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-confirms-top-military-commander-ibrahim-aqil-killed-israel-2024-09-20/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=Reuters}}</ref> In a statement published by the group, he was described as "a great ] leader". The statement also said he had "joined the procession of his brothers, the great martyr leaders, after a blessed life full of jihad".<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=Rare Israeli airstrike in Beirut kills Hezbollah commander and more than a dozen others |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hezbollah-rocket-attack-mideast-tensions-a6a95169a21b45dc86d86182e255fa7e |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
⚫ == References ==

U.S. National Security Adviser ] said the assassination served justice to Aqil, stating: "any time a terrorist who has murdered Americans is brought to justice, we believe that that is a good outcome."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hunnicutt |first=Trevor |date=21 September 2024 |title=Sullivan expresses worry over escalating Israel-Lebanon tension, calls Hezbollah strike as justice served |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/sullivan-says-israel-lebanon-escalation-worrying-justice-served-strike-hezbollah-2024-09-21/ |work=Reuters}}</ref>

On 22 September, Israel's ] was interviewed by ]; during the interview he said that the assassination was done to eliminate ] plans to invade the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 September 2024 |title=ynetnews – Breaking News in Israel. |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/category/3089#b1fuhvttr |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=ynetnews |language=en}}</ref>

⚫ ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


{{Targeted killing by Israel}}

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Latest revision as of 21:59, 8 November 2024

Lebanese Hezbollah commander (1962–2024) For the Jordanian taekwondo practitioner, see Ibrahim Aqil (taekwondo).

Ibrahim Aqil
إبراهيم عقيل
Photo used by the United States Department of State
Member of the Jihad Council
Commander of the Redwan Force
DeputyWissam al-Tawil
Preceded byHaytham Ali Tabatabai
Succeeded byAli Reda Abbas
Personal details
Born(1962-12-24)24 December 1962
Bednayel, Beqaa Valley, Lebanon
Died20 September 2024(2024-09-20) (aged 61)
Haret Hreik, Lebanon
Manner of deathAssassination by airstrike
Political party Hezbollah
Other political
affiliations		Islamic Jihad Organization (Lebanon)
Known forCommander-in-chief of the Redwan Force, involvement in the 1983 US embassy and multinational force bases bombings in Beirut
Military service
Allegiance Hezbollah
Years of service1982–2024
UnitRedwan Force
Battles/wars
Part of a series on
Hezbollah
Political activities
Military activities
Capabilities
Organizations
Media
People
Secretaries-General
Senior officials

Ibrahim Aqil (Arabic: إبراهيم عقيل; 24 December 1962 – 20 September 2024; also known by his aliases Al-Hajj Tahsin or Al-Hajj Abdul Khader) was a Lebanese militant leader who served as commander-in-chief of Hezbollah's special operations unit, the Redwan Force. He was a member of the Jihad Council, which oversees the military operations of the organisation. Some considered Aqil as the de facto Chief of Staff of Hezbollah.

In the 1980s, Aqil was a senior member in Hezbollah's cell responsible for the 1983 US embassy bombing and the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings. On 21 July 2015, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Aqil under Executive Order 13582 for his role in Hezbollah. In September 2019, the U.S. Department of State listed him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The Rewards for Justice Program offered a reward of up to $7 million for information leading to his capture. He is thought to have served as the deputy to Fuad Shukr, the former commander of Hezbollah's military wing, before Shukr's death.

On 20 September 2024, Aqil was killed by an Israeli Air Force strike in Haret Hreik, Lebanon.

Biography

In the 1980s, Aqil was a senior member in the Islamic Jihad Organization, a group affiliated with Hezbollah. The organization carried out the 1983 US embassy bombing in Beirut, killing 63 people, and the attacks on the multinational force bases in Beirut resulted in the deaths of 305 people. During the 1980s, Aqil was responsible for the kidnapping of American and German hostages.

On 4 February 2000, during the South Lebanon conflict, Israeli AH-64 Apache helicopters fired AGM-114 Hellfire missiles at Aqil's car in the village of Barish, where he was serving as Hezbollah's commander of the South Lebanon sector (or the western sector in South Lebanon). The first missile struck the rear of the car and threw him out. He escaped and hid behind a building. The second missile destroyed the car. After being spotted hiding, another missile was fired at him and hit the wall. Aqil was lightly injured and managed to escape the incident. Five civilians, including an infant, were also injured.

During the 2006 Lebanon War, Aqil was responsible for coordinating intelligence between Hezbollah and the Syrian Army. A month later, in September 2006, while serving as the head of Hezbollah's security and intelligence services, the "Intelligence Online" reported that Aqil was one of three Hezbollah operatives, along with Hassan Nasrallah and Mustafa Badreddine, who visited North Korea for several months during the 1980s and early 1990s for training.

On 21 July 2015, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Aqil as closely tied to Hezbollah's leadership and acting on its behalf, along with other senior figures in the organization—Mustafa Badreddine, Fuad Shukr, and Abd al-Nur Shalaan. He was identified as playing a key role in Hezbollah's military campaign in Syria by assisting the organization's fighters and Syrian government forces against Syrian rebels during the Syrian Civil War. Aqil had also been sought through several 'Red Notices' by Interpol, documenting his long history with the organization, including involvement in the kidnapping and holding of two German citizens in the late 1980s and the 1985–86 Paris attacks.

In May 2016, following the assassination of Mustafa Badreddine, Aqil was one of two candidates (alongside Fuad Shukr) considered to succeed him as Hezbollah's defence minister (though others identified Fuad Shukr in this role).

On 10 September 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. On 18 April 2023, the Rewards for Justice program offered a reward of up to $7 million for information about him.

Before his death, Aqil served as the head of Hezbollah's operations and was responsible for the Redwan Force, among other things, during the Hezbollah–Israel conflict that began following Hezbollah's attacks on Israel the day after Hamas' 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. He also led Hezbollah's tunnel project in Lebanon. He was reportedly injured during the 2024 Lebanon pager explosions and released from the hospital on the day of his assassination. In the event of an Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Aqil's unit had planned to conduct a counter-operation, similar to the 7 October attacks, in northern Israel. The unit would also be involved in defending southern Lebanon from an Israeli invasion.

Assassination

Main article: 20 September 2024 Beirut attack

On 20 September 2024, Israeli F-35 fighter jets fired four missiles at a residential building in the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, targeting Aqil, who was at a meeting two storeys underground. The airstrike killed at least 45 people including senior Hezbollah commander Ahmed Mahmoud Wahabi, 14 other high-ranking Hezbollah militants, three children, and seven women, injured another 68, and caused two buildings to collapse. The Israeli military confirmed the attack targeted Aqil, and later confirmed Aqil's death. Saudi reports were the first to report his death. IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Aqil and other top leadership of the elite Radwan Force were gathered underground when they were targeted and killed in the Israeli airstrike. He also claimed that at least 10 Hezbollah commanders were killed in the airstrike in Beirut.

Several hours later, Hezbollah confirmed Aqil's death. In a statement published by the group, he was described as "a great jihadist leader". The statement also said he had "joined the procession of his brothers, the great martyr leaders, after a blessed life full of jihad".

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the assassination served justice to Aqil, stating: "any time a terrorist who has murdered Americans is brought to justice, we believe that that is a good outcome."

On 22 September, Israel's President Herzog was interviewed by Sky News; during the interview he said that the assassination was done to eliminate Radwan plans to invade the Galilee.

References

  1. https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1357811/what-we-know-about-hezbollahs-elite-al-radwan-unit.html
  2. "Hezbollah's Radwan Force chooses its new lead commander - report".
  3. "Who was Ibrahim Aqil? The slain Hezbollah commander wanted for '83 Beirut barracks blast". The Times of Israel. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Israel identifies Hezbollah's Ibrahim Aqil as head of the special forces Radwan unit". The Jerusalem Post. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Ibrahim Aqil – Rewards For Justice". rewardsforjustice.net. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  6. ^ "Exclusive: Iran orders Hezbollah to target Saudi Arabia". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  7. ^ "שקט מדומה: כך צמח ארגון הטרור הרצחני בצפון". mako. 29 February 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Who is Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah commander targeted by Israel?". Al Jazeera. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  9. "US State Department offers $7 million reward for Hezbollah leader". www.israelnationalnews.com. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  10. ^ "إعلام إسرائيلي: إبراهيم عقيل المستهدف في غارة الضاحية هو قائد العمليات الخاصة بحزب الله (العربية) ..أخر المستجدات". برس بي (in Arabic). 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  11. Emanuel Fabian, Hezbollah Jihad Council member Ibrahim Aqil was target of Beirut strike, sources say Times of Israel (20 September 2024)
  12. אדלסון, דניאל; יורק, ניו; אייכנר, איתמר (18 April 2023). "סוחר האמנות שמממן את חיזבאללה, ופרס המיליונים על ראשו של רב המחבלים". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  13. "למרות המתיחות בצפון: 12 אלף מבקרים בסוף השבוע בחרמון – וואלה חדשות". וואלה (in Hebrew). 4 February 2000. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  14. "ניצל מניסיון חיסול והתאמן בצפון קוריאה: זה בכיר חיזבאללה שהיה מטרת התקיפה בדאחייה | ישראל היום". Israel Hayom (in Hebrew). 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  15. Ben Ari, Lior; Eichner, Itamar (20 September 2024). "Ibrahim Aqil: Elusive Hezbollah mastermind and one of America's most wanted men". Ynetnews. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  16. "Israeli Killed in Lebanon, Spurring Calls to Retaliate". The New York Times. 7 February 2000. Archived from the original on 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  17. "אף מילה על ישראל". ynet (in Hebrew). 15 May 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  18. IBP USA (August 2013). Korea North Economic & Development Strategy Handbook Volume 1 Startegic Information and Developments. Lulu.com. ISBN 978-1-4330-2812-0.
  19. "Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leaders, Military Officials, And An Associate In Lebanon". U.S. Department of the Treasury. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  20. "Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah elite unit commander wanted by the US". RFI. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  21. "Smoke on the horizon: Israel-Hezbollah all-out war edges closer". BBC. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  22. "Who is Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah commander targeted by Israel?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  23. "Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli airstrike was top military official on US wanted list". AP News. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  24. "Israel kills elite Hizbollah commanders in Beirut strike". www.ft.com.
  25. Maziar Motamedi; Zaheena Rasheed (22 September 2024). "Beirut attack toll rises". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 September 2024. Lebanon's Health Ministry has just published a statement saying that the death toll from Friday's Israeli attack on southern Beirut has risen to 45.
  26. Federica Marsi; Urooba Jamal (21 September 2024). "Death toll in Beirut attack goes up". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 September 2024. Lebanon's Health Minister says at least 31 people, including three children and seven women, were killed in the Israeli attack on southern Beirut yesterday. Another 68 people were wounded in the attack, he added. The three children among the 31 killed in Israel's attack on southern Beirut yesterday were aged four, six and 10, Lebanon's Health Minister said during a press conference.
  27. Ben Ari, Lior; Eichner, Itamar; Raban, Dan (20 September 2024). "IAF kills Aqil with F-35 fighter jet and four missiles two stories underground". Ynetnews. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  28. "IDFANC Event". idfanc.activetrail.biz. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  29. "Israel targeted top Hezbollah figure in Beirut strike, sources say". Reuters. 20 September 2024.
  30. Fabian, Emmanuel. "Hagari: Aqil, top leadership were underground, below a residential building at time of strike". Times of Israel. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  31. "Lebanon's Hezbollah confirms top military commander Ibrahim Aqil killed in Israel strike". Reuters. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  32. "Rare Israeli airstrike in Beirut kills Hezbollah commander and more than a dozen others". AP News. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  33. Hunnicutt, Trevor (21 September 2024). "Sullivan expresses worry over escalating Israel-Lebanon tension, calls Hezbollah strike as justice served". Reuters.
  34. "ynetnews – Breaking News in Israel". ynetnews. 22 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
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