Following Israel’s strike on Hezbollah’s Intelligence Headquarters in Beirut on Thursday, the military confirmed on Friday the death of Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, the head of Hezbollah’s communications network.
The Israeli Air Force’s operation targeted Hezbollah sites involved in intelligence operations, based on information from the Military Intelligence Directorate. This strike was part of a broader campaign aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s operational capabilities amid escalating tensions in the region.
Sakafi, who was appointed to his role in 2000, had been a long-time member of the terrorist organization and maintained close ties with senior Hezbollah officials. He played a crucial role in ensuring continuous communication among Hezbollah units during both routine operations and emergencies, facilitating smooth information flow essential for the group’s strategic coordination.
His elimination is seen as a significant blow to Hezbollah’s operational framework, potentially impacting the group’s ability to conduct intelligence activities and respond to threats.
The airstrike targeted a meeting of senior Hezbollah members, including Hashem Safi al-Din, the group’s second-highest official and designated successor to former leader Hassan Nasrallah.
There was no immediate confirmation regarding Safi al-Din’s survival following the strike.
Israeli media reported that military sources indicated an underground intelligence headquarters was bombed during the gathering of top Hezbollah officials.
Lebanese sources described the extensive airstrike on a building in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb as more intense than the strike that killed Nasrallah. Reports from Lebanese media noted that the explosions were heard dozens of kilometers away.
In a significant operation, one of the leaders involved in Hezbollah’s precision missile production was killed in Beirut this week.
The Israel Defense Forces reported that Muhammad Yosef Anisi possessed specialized knowledge and technological expertise in munitions production. Anisi had been with Hezbollah for over 15 years and was a mechanical engineering expert dedicated to enhancing the group’s strategic warfare capabilities.
In a separate operation announced by the IDF on Friday morning, an airstrike targeted an underground tunnel stretching over 3.5 kilometers from Lebanon into Syria, which Hezbollah used for weapon transfers and storage.
The tunnel was operated by Unit 4400, responsible for facilitating the transfer of weapons from Iran and its affiliates to Hezbollah. The strike resulted in the destruction of military buildings, weapons warehouses, and other terrorist infrastructure.