IDF claims to have killed Hezbollah leader's 'right hand man' who masterminded US terror attack
IDF claims to have killed Hezbollah leader's 'right hand man' who killed 12 children in drone attack
GETTY
Israel’s Defence Forces have taken responsibility for the death of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.
Skukr, also known as Hajj Mohsin, was behind a drone strike that killed 12 children and teenagers over the weekend.
He was also being hunted by Washington in connection with a suicide bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut in 1983 which resulted in 241 US servicemen being killed.
A reward of up to $5million was on offer for anyone with information about Shukr.
IDF claims to have killed Hezbollah leader's 'right hand man' who killed 12 children in drone attack
GETTY
Shukr served as a senior adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at the time of his death in an IDF strike on Tuesday in southern Beirut.
A statement from the IDF confirmed Israel was behind the attack.
"As the Head of Hezbollah's Strategic Unit, Fuad was responsible for the majority of Hezbollah's most advanced weaponry, including precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets, and UAVs," the release said.
"He was responsible for force build-up, planning, and execution of terror attacks against the State of Israel."
Hezbollah launched an attack which killed a dozen children Druze village of Majdal Shams on Saturday.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Survivor Lt. Col. Howard Gerlach Ret. speaks during a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, at the Marine barracks on October 23, 2017 in Washington, DC
GETTY
The Lebanese terror group denied any involvement.
However, the IDF and US military disputed Hezbollah’s claim.
The strike infuriated Israeli officials, prompting the IDF to launch missiles at Lebanon shortly after.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said: “Tonight, the IDF conducted a precise and professional operation to eliminate Hezbollah’s most senior military commander.
A view of partially destroyed building, which has been targeted by Israeli army, in Beirut, Lebanon
GETTY
“Fuad Shukr ‘Sayyid’ Muhsan has the blood of many Israelis on his hands. Tonight, we have shown that the blood of our people has a price, and that there is no place out of reach for our forces to this end.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the IDF - to the Chief of the General Staff, to the Commanders and troops in the IAF and IDI.
“Your capabilities not only ensure our security, but also bring us great pride. You enable us to stand strong in facing our enemies and to ensure the continuity of our people.”
Republican Representative Mike Waltz commended the IDF and made reference to the 1983 attack on the Marine barracks.
The US Marine Drum and Bugle Corp. plays during a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, at the Marine barracks on October 23, 2017
GETTY
The army veteran, who now represents voters from Florida, said: "For the families and victims of the 1983 Beirut bombing, THANK YOU Israel.”
Tensions in the Middle East reached fever-pitch earlier after the political leader of Hamas was assassinated in Iran.
"Brother leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement, died in a Zionist strike on his residence in Tehran after he participated in the inauguration of the new (Iranian) President," Hamas said in a statement.
Leading figures from Hamas have since called for further revenge.
Hamas political bureau member Musa Abu Marzuk vowed: "The assassination of leader Ismail Haniyeh is a cowardly act and will not go unanswered."
Sami Abu Zuhri, another Hamas official, added: "We are engaged in an open war to liberate Jerusalem and we are ready to pay various prices."