Israeli Strike Eliminates Hezbollah Leader Responsible for Killing Americans

Latest Developments

• Israel Eliminates Daqduq: An IDF airstrike in Syria killed Ali Musa Daqduq, a senior Hezbollah commander who was responsible for the murder of American service personnel during the war in Iraq. The elimination of Daqduq was confirmed by a senior U.S. defense official, but it is not clear exactly when or where in Syria the strike occurred.

• Daqduq Planned Elaborate Attack on U.S. Base in Iraq: On January 20, 2007, five U.S. soldiers were killed when a terrorist squad disguised as an American security team attacked a U.S. military compound in Karbala. Pfc. Johnathon Miles Millican was killed defending the base, while 1^st Lt. Jacob Noel Fritz, Capt. Brian Scott Freeman, Pfc. Shawn Patrick Falter, and Spc. Johnathan Bryan Chism were killed after being abducted by the terrorists. Daqduq was subsequently captured by U.S. forces, revealing during interrogation that Iran’s Quds Force — the international arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps — had been directly involved with planning the attack.

• Daqduq’s Return to Hezbollah Command: The United States handed over Daqduq to the Iraqi authorities in 2011, who reneged on their pledge to prosecute him. Daqduq was released less than a year later, resuming his role as a Hezbollah commander.

FDD Expert Response

“Israel continues to deliver justice for American victims of terrorism, including our Gold Star Families. Hezbollah and Iran have so much American blood on their hands. We should send Israel another thank-you card for bringing terrorists to justice.” — Richard Goldberg, Senior Advisor

“IDF action targeting top Hezbollah commanders has not only delivered justice for those who seek to harm Israelis, but also a measure of justice for the families of American servicemen affected by the Iran-backed organization’s attacks in past years. What the United States has failed to do in reaching those who have harmed Americans, Israel has done in a matter of months. It’s a remarkable accomplishment.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Damascus has served as a critical hub for Hezbollah operatives since the group’s participation in the Syrian Civil War on the side of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. While Israel has repeatedly targeted Hezbollah’s leadership in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb, it continues to demonstrate its capacity to eliminate key figures wherever they operate. Daqduq oversaw Hezbollah’s operations and coordinated with Iranian proxies to escalate military pressure on Israel from Syria. His elimination represents a significant blow to Hezbollah and Iran’s regional proxy network, depriving them of a vital asset in their regional operations.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst