Israeli airstrike claims life of senior Iranian commander in Syria

Iranian media reports confirm the death of Seyyed Razi Mousavi, a seasoned military adviser to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The fatal airstrike occurred in the Sayyida Zeinab area, southeast of Damascus, with Israel suspected to be behind the attack. Israel has been conducting military operations in Syria for years, targeting what it alleges are Iran-linked sites.

The frequency of these strikes has escalated in the past months, notably after Hamas’ attack on October 7. Iran has maintained a presence in Syria since the early stages of the civil war, supporting President Bashar al-Assad against widespread rebellion.

Seyyed Razi Mousavi, reportedly an aide to the late IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani, played a significant role in coordinating the relationship between Tehran and Damascus. The Revolutionary Guards of Iran issued a stern statement, vowing that Israel would “pay for this crime.” As of now, Israel’s military has not provided immediate comment, maintaining its customary silence on cross-border strikes.

This incident follows Iran’s earlier accusation against Israel of killing two Revolutionary Guards members in Syria earlier this month. The tensions between the two nations persist, with geopolitical ramifications in the region.