Iranian General and Hezbollah Leader Killed in Israeli Airstrike
In a dramatic turn of events, a high-ranking Iranian general in the Revolutionary Guard, Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, was killed in an Israeli airstrike that also took the life of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as reported by Iranian media on Saturday.
The strike took place in Beirut on Friday amidst the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, pushing the region closer to a full-scale regional confrontation.
Nilforushan, aged 58, held a key position as the deputy commander for operations in the Revolutionary Guard, overseeing ground forces. His presence in Lebanon at the time of the strike has raised eyebrows, highlighting Iran’s unwavering support for Hezbollah.
Confirmation of Nilforushan’s death came from sources like the Tehran Times and other state-run media, with Iranian officials, including Ahmad Reza Pour Khaghan, deputy head of Iran’s judiciary, referring to him as a “guest to the people of Lebanon.” Khaghan emphasized Iran’s right to retaliate under international law.
The loss of Nilforushan adds to the mounting casualties among Iran’s military leadership due to ongoing Israeli operations against Hezbollah, a group deeply involved in the conflict. Iran’s backing of Hezbollah has long been a contentious issue, with the Guard’s Quds Force providing support to the militia in Lebanon.
This airstrike deals a significant blow to Iran’s military presence in the region, following the reported death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this year. Both Iran and Hezbollah have vowed to seek vengeance for these high-profile losses, heightening fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. — Agencies
