The Israeli Air Force eliminated a high-ranking commander of an Iran-supported militia in Lebanon overnight. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Ali Muslim Tabaja, commander of the so-called “Imam Hussein Division,” was killed along with other leading figures in the organization.
The attack was carried out based on precise intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman).
The “Imam Hussein Division” is regarded as a military formation established by Iran’s Quds Force to strengthen Tehran’s influence in the region and consolidate military forces against Israel. The unit consists of several thousand fighters of various origins from the Middle East and serves within the Iranian axis as an operational structure that also provides Hezbollah with additional military capabilities.
During the current operations against Iranian and Hezbollah structures—including the operations “Roaring Lion” and “Arrows of the North”—the division actively participated in attacks on Israel. From Lebanese territory, among other things, drones were launched and rockets fired at Israeli communities in the north.
According to the IDF, Tabaja was a central figure within the division and an important liaison between Hezbollah and Iranian entities. He was originally a member of Hezbollah and over the years held various military positions both within the terrorist organization and in the Imam Hussein Division, most recently as deputy commander.
During Operation “Arrows of the North,” Tabaja was appointed commander of the division after his predecessor, Dhu al-Fiqar, was killed in an earlier Israeli strike. In this role, he played a key part in rebuilding Hezbollah’s military capabilities and maintained close contact with Iranian officials.
In addition to Tabaja, the airstrike also eliminated other leading members of the division, including Jihad al-Safira, deputy commander of the unit; Sajed al-Handasa (also referred to as Sager/Sajid/Sajjad al-Handasa), responsible for drone operations; as well as other high-ranking commanders of the militia.
The strike is connected to a series of targeted Israeli attacks against the Iranian network in Lebanon. Yesterday, a commander from the Iranian Quds Force and several Hezbollah officials responsible for coordinating attacks against Israel were already eliminated.
Through these operations, Israel seeks to further weaken the operational link between Iran and Hezbollah and disrupt Tehran’s ability to exert military pressure on Israel through proxy organizations.
Want more news from Israel?
Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates
