An Israeli airstrike today in Beirut’s southern suburb has targeted Ibrahim Aqil, also known by his alias “Tahsin,” the commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Forces. Aqil, a high-ranking figure in Hezbollah’s military leadership, serves on the group’s Majlis al-Jihad, the highest military authority within Hezbollah. Aqil has been involved with Hezbollah since its early days and has a longstanding history in the group’s military operations.
In April 2023, the U.S. Department of State announced a reward of up to $7 million for information on Aqil through its Rewards for Justice Program. This reward stems from his participation in the Islamic Jihad Organization, which was responsible for the April 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, killing 63 people. Aqil’s involvement in this bombing remains one of the key reasons for his international notoriety.
In 2015, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Aqil as a terrorist under Executive Order 13582, linking him to acts of terrorism on behalf of Hezbollah. Later, in 2019, the U.S. State Department classified him as a global terrorist, further cementing his status as one of Hezbollah’s most wanted leaders.
This airstrike marks a critical moment in Israel’s ongoing efforts to eliminate high-profile Hezbollah commanders, especially those like Aqil, who are deeply tied to both historical attacks and present-day operations. Israel’s strike on Aqil could potentially disrupt Hezbollah’s command structure, especially given Aqil’s leadership of the Radwan Forces, an elite unit often involved in significant Hezbollah military actions.
The Target of today’s Israeli Airstrike on the Suburbs of Beirut, Ibrahim Aqil has been Wanted by the U.S. State Department for Decades due to his involvement with the Islamic Jihad Organization which eventually became Hezbollah, with him believed to have assisted in the Planning and Execution of the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing which Killed 307 including 241 U.S. Servicemembers, the 1983 U.S. Embassy Bombing in Beirut which resulted in the Death of 32 including 17 Americans, as well as another U.S. Embassy Bombing in 1984 which Killed 23 including 2 Americans.
Aqil joined Hezbollah in the 80s, and was responsible for the terror group’s attacks outside of Lebanon, according to the IDF. The military says he participated in many attacks in other countries, including targeting civilians.
Since 2004, Aqil has been serving as the head of Hezbollah’s operations array, responsible for the terror group’s bombing and anti-tank attacks, air defenses, and other aspects of the organization.
Additionally, Aqil has been serving as the commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, which according to Israel is tasked with potentially invading Israel.
The IDF says Aqil was involved in an anti-tank guided missile attack against an army post near Avivim in 2019, a bombing attack at the Megiddo Junction last year, and several attempts by Hezbollah operatives to infiltrate into Israel amid the war.
Aqil had also been wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut, as well as directing the taking of American and German hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s. The US had placed a $7 million bounty on him.