Undercover Israeli Force Eliminates Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades Leader

Latest Developments

An Israeli Yamam counter-terrorism unit eliminated the Balata camp al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades leader on October 9 in the northern West Bank city of Nablus. Israeli police said Yamam operators eliminated Issam al-Salaj and four other terrorists. The Yamam unit, supported by the Shin Bet, Border Police, and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops, was operating in Nablus to arrest suspects wanted for terrorist activities against civilians and Israeli troops. Israel’s Kan public broadcaster reported that the Yamam unit acted against the squad to thwart a planned terrorist attack.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been involved in a multi-front war against Iran-backed terrorist organizations. The West Bank is one of the critical battlegrounds where the Jewish state is engaged in near-daily counter-terrorism operations. On October 4, the IDF eliminated Hamas’s Tulkarem commander, Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, along with at least 11 other terrorists who were planning to carry out an attack “in the immediate time frame.”

Expert Analysis

“The Israeli operation in Nablus to eliminate a key terrorist leader and several of his collaborators is an example of how Israel uses intelligence and precision special operations to neutralize threats. There have been increasing attempts by several terrorist groups to put down roots in cities such as Nablus. Israel’s raids are an important part of reducing threats to civilians by tracking down terrorist leaders.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Israel is contending with a multi-front war, and all the fronts pose a unique challenge. Currently, a dangerous trend is emerging of terrorist attacks inside Israeli territory coupled with armed groups in the West Bank plotting significant acts of violence. As a result, Israel’s security services, law enforcement agencies, and military forces face an escalating array of threats that demand their full attention and response.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

Related Analysis

“Interactive visual: Profiles of 28 Iran-Backed Terrorist Groups and Branches in the West Bank,” by Joe Truzman

“Mapping Terrorism in the West Bank,” by Joe Truzman

“Israeli Police Seize Hamas Terror Funds in Eastern Jerusalem,” FDD Flash Brief