Israel eliminates Hezbollah smuggling kingpin overseeing weapons shipments from Iran in the latest strike as troops advance

08 October 2024 , 16:12

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Smoke rises in Beirut’s southern suburbs after a strikeCredit: Reuters

His loss is said to be a major blow to the terrorist militia’s plans to hone precision-guided weapons to attack Israel

Hezbollah’s weapons smuggling chief has been killed in another Israeli strike in Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces reported that Suhail Hussein Husseini was responsible for the transfer of large quantities of advanced weapons from Iranian allies through Syria.

Further huge blasts were heard in Beirut early today as Israeli warplanes ramped up its cull of commanders, which has wiped out dozens including leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Hussein was also a member of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council - responsible for war planning - and oversaw the group’s research and development programme.
His loss is said to be a major blow to the terrorist militia’s plans to hone precision-guided weapons to attack Israel.

IDF chiefs promised no let-up of the campaign to "decapitate” the Iran-funded group and moved forces into south western Lebanon today as its invasion geared up.

A spokesman said: “Husseini played a crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah and was responsible for distributing the advanced weaponry.

“He was responsible for the budgeting and logistical management of Hezbollah’s most sensitive projects, including the organisation’s war plans and other special operations.

Israel moved its first reserve division into south western Lebanon early today to carry out "limited, localised and targeted operations".

It said the 146th Division will operate alongside another brigade and additional forces to "expose and dismantle terrorist infrastructure".  

But Hezbollah rocket attacks into northern Israel continued and loud Iron Dome interceptions were heard over Tel Aviv overnight.

Meanwhile, three Hamas fighters involved in the October 7 attacks a year ago have been killed in Gaza.
Muhammad Rafa’i - a terror planner said to have been directly involved in the atrocities which killed 1,200 - was killed alongside comrades in a command centre on September 30.

The IDF said it had evidence that Rafa’i joined attacks in Kfar Aza and Nahal Oz in southern Israel, as well as "terror activities" against Israeli troops.

In another operation in Rafah, southern Gaza, on October 1, two more known October 7 militants, Muhammad Zinon and Basel Ahras, were killed.

James Smith