Who was Fouad Shukr? The terrorist behind Majdal Shams

Shukr, also referred to as Hajj Mohsin, was targeted in the IDF's operation in Beirut, Lebanon. His elimination marks the death of the highest ranking Hezbollah commander to date. According to Belaaz news reports he led Hezbollah's presicion missile project and was a member of the Jihad council.

The IDF stated that the strike aimed at Shukr was in response to his role in the Hezbollah rocket attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 children in Majdal Shams on Saturday.

Shukr had been affiliated with Hezbollah for approximately 30 years and held the position of Chief of the organization's military wing, making him the second most senior figure within the group. Israeli media reported that he was a key military advisor to Nasrallah.

The US Rewards for Justice program had previously offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Shukr's capture as he was placed on their most wanted list. He was also implicated in the 1983 bombing of the US Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, which killed 241 American servicemen and wounded 128 others.

In addition to the bounty, the US imposed sanctions on Shukr. On September 10, 2019, the US State Department designated him as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" under "Executive Order 13224," which allows the US to block the financial resources of terrorists.