Israeli airstrike kills Hezbollah Drone Commander Muhammad Hussein Srour; US urges 21-day ceasefire

Srour’s military career included leading Hezbollah’s surface-to-air missile unit and commanding the "Aziz" Unit of the Radwan Force.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) announced the elimination of Muhammad Hussein Srour, the commander of Hezbollah’s aerial command, in a targeted strike in Beirut. Srour, a key figure in Hezbollah’s military operations, was linked to numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) confirmed the strike on social media platform X, stating, “ELIMINATED: Commander of Hezbollah’s Aerial Command, Muhammad Hussein Srour, in a precise IAF strike in Beirut.”

ELIMINATED: Commander of Hezbollahs Aerial Command, Muhammad Hussein Srour, in a precise IAF strike in Beirut.Srour advanced and directed numerous aerial terrorist attacks aimed at Israeli civilians. During the "Iron Swords" war, he executed several terrorist attacks pic.twitter.com/odPb5tCERx
Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 26, 2024

Srour was reportedly involved in aerial terrorist operations, most notably during the recent "Iron Swords" conflict, where he coordinated attacks using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and explosive devices. In recent years, he led efforts to manufacture UAVs in southern Lebanon, with production and intelligence sites allegedly placed near civilian infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon, raising concerns about the safety of non-combatants in these areas.

Hezbollah doesnt want you to watch this video.And they really dont want you to share it. pic.twitter.com/aN9kE42a2L Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 26, 2024

Srour’s military career included leading Hezbollah’s surface-to-air missile unit and commanding the "Aziz" Unit of the Radwan Force. He also acted as an emissary for Hezbollah to Yemen, collaborating with the Houthi Aerial Command.

As tensions escalate between Israel and Lebanon, the United States has proposed a 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. The ceasefire is intended to prevent further escalation and provide space for diplomatic efforts, particularly in Gaza.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III emphasized the need for de-escalation, noting that Hezbollah has been launching rocket attacks on Israel since the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas. He stressed Israel’s right to self-defense, warning of the potential for another full-scale war that would have devastating consequences for both Israel and Lebanon.