The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) conducted a significant military operation late Thursday, eliminating Ali Jaafar Maatouk, also known as Habib Maatouk, a senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force.
Ali Jaafar Maatuk, a senior commander, along with others, was killed in a strike in southern Lebanon; as the US seeks to calm tensions. Lebanese news outlets said on Thursday night that five individuals lost their lives in a strike on a three-floor residence in Safad El Battikh, located in southern Lebanon. Ali Jaafar Maatuk, a member of Hezbollah's elite Radwan force, died in the assault, reportedly aimed at a residence often utilized by Hezbollah members, as per Saudi channel Al-Hadath.
Maatouk served as an operations officer in Radwan force’s Hajjar regional unit, responsible for numerous attacks on Ramim Ridge in northern Israel. This area has frequently been targeted by rockets, missiles, and drones, especially amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas in the south. According to security sources speaking to Reuters, Maatouk recently replaced Ali Ahmed Hussein, who was killed by an Israeli strike in April.
The airstrike in Jmaijmeh, southern Lebanon, Thursday night resulted in the deaths of another operations officer and several Hezbollah operatives, as confirmed by the IDF. The strike targeted a three-story house in Jmaijmeh, with additional strikes hitting a Hezbollah command room in Majdal Selm and a building used by Hezbollah in Shaqra. Hezbollah confirmed Maatouk’s death but did not disclose his specific rank or role within the organization.