Three high-ranking IRGC officials were killed in what is suspected to be an Israeli airstrike targeting a diplomatic annex near the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria. Iran state media confirmed the identities of the deceased as follows:
- Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the Force Commander for Syria and Lebanon.
- General Hossein Amanullah, the Force Chief of General Staff for Syria and Lebanon.
- Major General Haj Rahimi, designated as the Force Commander for Palestine.
The strike, which occurred Monday, marked one of the most notable attacks against Iran’s military leadership since the killing of Qassem Soleimani in 2020. This incident further intensifies the shadow conflict between Israel and Iran, characterized by covert operations, airstrikes, and reciprocal threats.
WATCH: Footage shows building flattened after Israeli strike on Iranian consulate in Syria, search continues#Iran #Syria #WWIII #Israel pic.twitter.com/ASdHG9fZ27
— Wali Khan (@WaliKhan_TK) April 2, 2024
The Syrian interior and foreign ministers were observed at the site of the attack. This incident comes just five days after Iran confirmed the loss of several officers in previous Israeli airstrikes within Syrian territory. Iran has pledged a “harsh” response against Israel, raising concerns about potential retaliatory measures. Analysts speculate that Iran’s response could include missile strikes against Iraqi Kurdistan or escalated attacks against American forces in the region by Iran-backed militia forces.
The Iranian Mission to the United Nations has reportedly Delivered a “Notice of Intent” to the U.N. Security Council regarding today’s Airstrike by the Israeli Air Force against the Iranian Embassy Compound in the Syrian Capital of Damascus which resulted in the Death of at least… pic.twitter.com/ZhvLwuD5PT
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 1, 2024
The Iranian government has attributed the attack to Israel, reporting that the airstrike was conducted by six missiles launched from Israeli F-35 warplanes targeting the consulate facility adjacent to the Iranian embassy. The building suffered significant damage, as evidenced by photographs showing the leveled structure and subsequent footage of fires and extensive destruction. Iran’s ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, noted that embassy staff and military advisers were among the casualties.
While the Israel Defense Forces have not issued a direct statement regarding this incident, they have described the targeted establishment as a military base for the Quds forces, negating its diplomatic status. This stance is consistent with Israel’s policy of conducting preemptive strikes against perceived threats from Iranian-backed forces in the region. Iran’s Foreign Ministry and Syria’s Foreign Minister have accused Israel of violating international norms, specifically referencing the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This incident underscores the ongoing and complex geopolitical conflict between Israel and Iran, highlighting the fragile security situation in the Middle East and the potential for further escalation.
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