‘Significant Figure’: IDF Targets Palestinian Islamic Jihad Commander in Gaza and Operatives in Syria

Latest Developments

• Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Commander Eliminated in Gaza City: The IDF said it had killed Alkaman Abed Elslam Khalil Anbar, in charge of carrying out rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, in a precision strike on November 15, 2024. According to the IDF, Anbar was also a “significant figure” in the Iran-backed terrorist organization’s weapons manufacturing operations.

• PIJ Members Killed in IDF Strikes on Damascus Headquarters: The IDF also struck a PIJ Syria-based command center located in a suburb of the Syrian capital on both November 14, 2024. On November 15, the IDF struck Mazzeh again, targeting PIJ members. The IDF accused Syria of providing protection to the PIJ, noting that the organization was supporting Hezbollah in targeting Israel with terror attacks.

• Mazzeh, an Iranian Hotbed: The IDF aimed its fire at the Damascus suburb of Mazzeh, where the residences of Hezbollah and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operatives are located. Israel has waged a campaign in Mazzeh throughout the past year, targeting high-profile IRGC members.

FDD Expert Response

“Palestinian Islamic Jihad has significantly expanded its role in recent years, engaging the IDF on multiple fronts. The group maintains a substantial presence in the West Bank and has been linked to attacks launched from southern Lebanon and Syria. The IDF’s strike in Syria aimed to undermine PIJ’s external capabilities, targeting its ability to coordinate with Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias that collectively threaten Israel’s security.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

“Palestinian Islamic Jihad has faced substantial setbacks due to operations by the Israeli military in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Despite these challenges, the group’s secretary-general, Ziyad al-Nakhleh, and its military leader, Akram al-Ajouri, remain at the helm, directing the organization from undisclosed locations outside of Gaza. Capturing or neutralizing both leaders would be a boon for Israel and a significant blow to the Iranian proxy group’s ability to carry out attacks against the Jewish state.” —  Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Psychological Warfare’: Palestinian Islamic Jihad Releases Third Video of Russian-Israeli Hostage,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Central Operative’: Palestinian Islamic Jihad Leader Killed by Airstrike as Israel Ramps Up Concerted Air Campaign,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Eliminates Palestinian Islamic Jihad Rocket Commander,” FDD Flash Brief