Hezbollah aerial commander killed: How Israel eliminated Hussein Srour who developed UAVs in Lebanon (WATCH)

By Sunita IyerFirst Published Sep 27, 2024, 11:49 AM IST
Highlights

In a targeted airstrike, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed the death of Muhammad Hussein Srour, a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, in a southern suburb of Beirut. 

In a targeted airstrike, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed the death of Muhammad Hussein Srour, a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, in a southern suburb of Beirut. The IDF released drone footage showing multiple explosions that destroyed a residential building where Srour, also known as 'Hajj Abu Saleh,' was reportedly staying.

🔴 ELIMINATED: Commander of Hezbollah’s Aerial Command, Muhammad Hussein Srour, in a precise IAF strike in Beirut.

Srour advanced and directed numerous aerial terrorist attacks aimed at Israeli civilians. During the "Iron Swords" war, he executed several terrorist attacks… pic.twitter.com/odPb5tCERx

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF)

The IDF eliminated Muhammad Hussein Srour, the commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organization's Aerial Command pic.twitter.com/6Tnbu2kkNe

— The Mossad: Satirical and Awesome (@TheMossadIL)

Srour, born in 1973 in the southern Lebanese village of Aita al-Shaab, joined Hezbollah in 1996 and steadily rose through its ranks. Known for his expertise in military operations, he played a significant role in Hezbollah’s strategy against Israel, particularly through his leadership of the group's aerial command. Srour was closely involved in the development of Hezbollah’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, leading efforts to manufacture drones and surface-to-air missile systems.

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In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he had personally authorized the strike on Srour while in flight, saying, “Our policy is clear - we will continue to hit Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we achieve all our goals.” Netanyahu also highlighted Srour’s position as the head of Hezbollah's UAV unit, a critical component of the group's military arsenal in recent years.

🚨Bibi, upon landing in NYC: "During the flight, I authorized a strike, and "other things," on the head of Hezbollah's UAV unit, and he was killed. Our policy is clear - we will continue to hit Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we achieve all our goals." pic.twitter.com/m3M4JEKY9C

— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13)

Srour was also accused of overseeing drone and explosive attacks targeting Israeli forces, and his operations extended beyond Lebanon. He was reportedly linked to Hezbollah's involvement in Syria and its support for Houthi forces in Yemen, further elevating his profile within the organization.

Hezbollah commander Muhammed Srour, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut today, trained the Houthis in Yemen on how to target Saudi Arabia with drones and missiles, al-Arabiya reports. pic.twitter.com/xvtmQuD7PW

— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman)

In addition to his command of UAV units, Srour led Hezbollah’s surface-to-air missile unit and oversaw the construction of military manufacturing facilities in civilian areas, including southern Lebanon and Beirut. His activities in these regions have sparked concern over the safety of civilians as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to rise.

The strike comes amid an escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. In the aftermath of the assault, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks from southern Lebanon into northern Israel, leading to retaliatory strikes by the IDF. The ongoing violence has raised fears of a broader conflict, as both sides continue to exchange fire across the Israel-Lebanon border.

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