IDF: IRGC-linked “Imam Hossein Division” commanders killed in Lebanon strikes
The Israeli military says commanders were involved in attacks on northern Israel and coordination with Hezbollah
The Israel Defense Forces said overnight that Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck and killed senior commanders from the Iranian Imam Hossein Division in Lebanon. The operation was carried out based on IDF intelligence and targeted operatives involved in attacks against Israel, the military said.
According to the IDF, the strike eliminated Ali Muslim Tabaja, described as a commander in the Iranian Imam Hossein Division. The military said Tabaja had served as a senior figure in operations against Israel and had maintained ongoing contact with senior members of the Iranian-led regional axis.
The IDF said Tabaja had previously served as deputy commander of the division before being appointed its commander following the killing of his predecessor, Dhu al-Fiqar, during Operation Northern Arrows. The military said he also played a role in efforts to rebuild Hezbollah’s operational capabilities.
Additional senior operatives were also killed in the strike, according to the IDF. These included Jihad al-Safira, the deputy commander of the Imam Hossein Division, and Sager al-Handasa, described as the division’s UAV officer, along with other senior commanders.
The Imam Hossein Division is described by the IDF as a military force used by the Iranian Quds Force to strengthen its regional network and operate against Israel. The unit consists of thousands of fighters across the Middle East and provides Hezbollah with operational capabilities.
According to the military, the division played an active role during Operations Roaring Lion and Northern Arrows, including launching unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles from Lebanese territory toward communities in northern Israel in coordination with Hezbollah. The IDF said the strike was part of ongoing efforts to target Iran-linked operational networks operating from Lebanon.