Israeli Air Force Strikes Hezbollah Intelligence Headquarters in Syria

In a significant military operation, Israeli Air Force fighter jets targeted Hezbollah infrastructure within its intelligence headquarters located in the Damascus area of Syria on Monday evening, as reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The strike resulted in the elimination of Mahmoud Muhammad Shaheen, the head of Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in Syria.

The operation was directed by the IDF's Intelligence Directorate. The Hezbollah intelligence headquarters serves as the main body responsible for building the organization's intelligence capabilities, directing operations, and enhancing its collection and detection methods. According to the IDF, the headquarters operates independently but under the guidance of Hussein Ali Al-Zima, who was previously killed in Beirut in October.

Profile of Mahmoud Muhammad Shaheen

Shaheen had assumed his role in 2007, leveraging his seniority and close relationships with the Syrian regime and elements of the Iranian regime. In his capacity, he led the development and deployment of intelligence and air defense capabilities in coordination with Iran and its allies.

Foiled Assassination Attempt on Israeli Air Base Commander

In a related development, an Israeli commander at the Nevatim Air Base was placed under heightened security following a failed assassination attempt by Iranian operatives, as reported by Iran International on Monday. An Israeli security source revealed that the commander and his family were provided with security due to the exposure of the threat.

The assassination attempt is believed to be connected to an Iran-backed cell of Azeri-Israelis arrested last month. This cell was uncovered through a joint operation involving the Shin Bet, the Israel Police’s Unit of International Crime Investigations, and the Lahav 433 Cyber Unit, which dismantled another Iranian intelligence network aiming to recruit and activate Israeli citizens as spies for Iran.

Drone Interceptions Near Masada and Northern Border

On Tuesday morning, the IDF intercepted two drones—one above Masada National Park near the Dead Sea and another near Metulla on the border with Lebanon. Drone intrusion sirens alerted residents in the surrounding areas. While drone incursions from the northern border are not uncommon, breaches over the border with Jordan into Israel are rare.

The attacks signal a possible escalation by Iran, as Masada and the Dead Sea are among Israel's most frequented tourist sites, with Masada attracting nearly 750,000 visitors annually. Israeli intelligence sources have indicated that Iran is increasing pressure on Israel through more frequent and intense attacks originating from its militias in Iraq.

Potential Iranian Attack from Iraq

Israeli intelligence sources told Axios last week that there could be an imminent Iranian attack on Israel from Iraqi territory, possibly coinciding with the U.S. presidential election day. The anticipated assault may involve a combination of drones and ballistic missiles.

A high-ranking member of the Iraqi Shiite militia Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN) stated in an interview with Hezbollah-affiliated media that his group is prepared to launch attacks on Israel in coordination with Iran. HHN, designated a terrorist organization by the United States during the Trump administration, has been targeted by U.S. strikes, including the killing of senior commander Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi in January, as reported by The Washington Post.

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