In a significant and highly precise operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully eliminated Muhammad Neamah Nasser, the notorious commander of Hezbollah's Aziz Unit, responsible for relentless rocket and anti-tank missile attacks from southwestern Lebanon into Israeli territory.
The Rise and Fall of a Terrorist Leader
Nasser, who ascended to his position in 2016, orchestrated numerous terror attacks targeting Israeli civilians, communities, and security forces. His tenure was marked by continuous aggression, culminating in a series of high-profile assaults on Israel. As a central figure within Hezbollah, Nasser played a pivotal role in perpetuating the organization's violent agenda. His elimination marks a significant blow to Hezbollah's operational capabilities in southern Lebanon.
A Notorious Duo
Nasser’s counterpart, Sami Taleb Abdullah, commander of the Nasser Unit, was eliminated just last month. Together, they formed a formidable duo, posing one of the most substantial threats to Israeli security from southern Lebanon. Their coordinated efforts had long been a thorn in the side of Israeli defense forces, making their elimination a major victory for Israel.
The IDF releases details on Muhammad Nimah Nasser, who was killed in an airstrike today.
— Seth Frantzman (@sfrantzman) July 3, 2024
The IDF said it "struck and eliminated the commander of the Aziz Unit in the Hezbollah Terrorist Organization. Earlier today (Wednesday), the IDF eliminated the terrorist Muhammad Neamah… pic.twitter.com/TdY0gPo2PM
Confirmation and Fallout
Hezbollah, the Shiite terrorist organization, confirmed Nasser's death, describing him as a "martyr commander." Alongside Nasser, another individual, whose identity remains unknown, was also killed. Security sources have verified that Nasser commanded Hezbollah's Aziz regional division, holding a rank comparable to that of Abu Taleb, the highest-ranking Hezbollah commander previously assassinated by Israel.
Immediate Repercussions
Following the assassination, sirens blared across the northern Israeli towns of Shtula, Manara, and Kiryat Shmona as three rockets launched from Lebanon exploded in unpopulated areas south of Kiryat Shmona. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the incident underscores the volatile nature of the Israel-Lebanon border.
🔴ELIMINATED: Muhammad Neamah Naser, the Commander of the Aziz Unit in the Hezbollah Terrorist Organization
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 3, 2024
Naser entered his position in 2016 and led the rockets and anti-tank missile attacks from southwestern Lebanon toward Israeli civilians, communities and security forces.… pic.twitter.com/Uof9YEO0fy
The Strike Details
Nasser was residing in Haddatha, a town in southern Lebanon that has been targeted by IDF strikes since the onset of the war. He met his end in a vehicle, obliterated by a drone strike southeast of Tyre. Reports suggest his son might have also perished in the attack, although these claims await confirmation.
Hezbollah's Grievous Losses
Nasser joins a short list of "martyr commanders," a title Hezbollah has sparingly used, most recently for Radwan forces commander Wissam al-Tawil and Abu Taleb. Since the beginning of the conflict, Hezbollah has confirmed the deaths of 360 operatives, a testament to the IDF's relentless and effective campaign against the terrorist organization.
Rocket salvo from #Hezbollah on the #Golan Heights
— Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) July 4, 2024
This is a response to the elimination of an important boss in #Lebanon. There, the commander of the Aziz unit, Mohammad Naam Nasser, was killed pic.twitter.com/vh6Hy2MCX2
The Aziz Division and Beyond
The Aziz division, under Nasser's command, oversaw operations from southern Lebanon to the interior regions of Al-Bekaa. Hezbollah’s operational structure includes several other units:
- The Nasr unit, previously led by Abu Taleb, operates from the Israeli border to the Litani River.
- The Badr unit covers the area north of the Litani River up to Sidon.
- The Haidar unit operates in central Al-Bekaa, Baalbek, and Hermel.
- Another unnamed unit is active in the Dahiya area.
These units are strategically dispersed across Lebanon, allowing Hezbollah to maintain a widespread network of terror operations.
🇮🇱-: Several rockets were fired from Lebanon at Kiryat Shmona, other areas in the Galilee Panhandle, as well as at the northern Golan Heights a short while ago.
— Michael Weingardt (@Michael_Wgd) July 3, 2024
There are no reports of injuries in the attacks, which come after a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in an… pic.twitter.com/LbTjunBvCg
Israel's Stance
Amidst the ongoing tensions, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reaffirmed Israel's preference for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis on the Lebanon border. However, he emphasized that Israel is prepared to resort to military action if necessary. During a visit to troops in Gaza, Gallant stated, "Israel would prefer a diplomatic solution, but if forced by the reality on the ground, we will know how to fight."
The elimination of Muhammad Neamah Nasser represents a crucial milestone in Israel's fight against Hezbollah. As the IDF continues to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in Lebanon, Israel's commitment to protecting its citizens and sovereignty remains unwavering.