In a significant development amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Lebanese militant group, Naim Qassem, has reportedly fled Lebanon and is now residing in Tehran, Iran. This move follows a series of targeted strikes by Israel that have claimed the lives of several key Hezbollah leaders, including the group’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah.
According to a report by UAE-based Erem News, citing Iranian sources, Qassem departed Lebanon a week ago on an Iranian aircraft. The source claimed that the secretary-general’s departure was ordered by Iranian leaders who apprehended his assassination. The source further stated that Qassem delivered three speeches after Nasrallah’s death, two of which were from Beirut, while the third was recorded in Tehran.
Israel has been steadfast in its commitment to dismantling Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian proxies. In pursuing this objective, Israel has carried out targeted killings of numerous prominent leaders from both groups, with the most recent being the assassination of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. Other Hezbollah leaders who have been eliminated include:
*
Fuad Shukr:
Founding member of Hezbollah*
Hassan Nasrallah:
Hezbollah chief*
Ali Karaki:
Hezbollah’s top commander*
Nabil Kaouk:
Deputy head of Hezbollah’s central council*
Mohammed Srur:
Head of Hezbollah’s drone unit*
Ibrahim Qubaisi:
Head of Hezbollah’s missile unit*
Ibrahim Aqil:
Hezbollah’s operations commander*
Mohammed Nasser:
Senior commanderOn Sunday, the Israeli military announced a strike on a Hezbollah command center and underground weapons facility in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. The Israeli military said the strike, conducted by the Israeli Air Force (IAF), targeted the intelligence headquarters and a weapons workshop in Beirut. Lebanese state media reported two Israeli strikes in Haret Hreik and one in Hadath, all located in the southern Beirut stronghold of Dahiyeh, a known Hezbollah stronghold.
The news of Qassem’s departure has raised significant concerns about the future leadership of Hezbollah, as the group faces mounting pressure from Israel’s relentless campaign. The loss of key leaders and the continued strikes on its infrastructure have undoubtedly impacted the group’s operations and strategic planning. The ongoing conflict remains a volatile situation with implications for the stability of the region.