• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Israel-Iran War: In a series of fresh airstrikes in Beirut, Israel on Thursday claimed that it targeted Hashem Safieddine, a top Hezbollah official and the next probable chief of the militant group after the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah. It is not confirmed yet if Safieddine got eliminated in the attack, but Israeli officials confirmed that the attack was one of the heaviest in recent times.

According to a report by The New York Times, the senior leadership of Hezbollah, including Safieddine, was having a meeting in an underground bunker when the attack took place. However, Lebanon and Hezbollah have not released any statement regarding the death of Safieddine. As per Reuters quoting locals, Hashem Safieddine managed to survive the attack by Israel. 

ALSO READ: Tirupati Laddu Row: SC Orders Independent Probe Into Adulteration Allegations, Forms 5-Member SIT

Who is Hashem Safieddine? 

Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah and known for wearing a black turban, which signifies his status as a Shiite cleric, was born in the early 1960s in southern Lebanon and is believed to be one of the founding members of Hezbollah. He held several important posts in the group, including overseeing military operations, and was responsible for the group's political affairs.

He was also a member of the Jihad Council, which manages the group's military operations. He rose through the ranks in 1995 as he ascended to Hezbollah’s highest governing body, the Consultative Assembly. He was appointed secretary-general in 1992. 

ALSO READ: Bihar Train Attack: Stones Pelted At Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Train, Window Panes Damaged; Probe Begins

A threat to the US?

Hashem is believed to have a strong bond with Iran and its agencies. Earlier, Hashem's son Reza married the daughter of Qassem Suleimani, the former commander of Iran's Quds Force. Suleimani was killed by a US drone in 2020, which escalated the tension between Iran and the US.

Hashem's brother, Abdallah Safieddine, is Hezbollah's representative to Iran. In a major announcement in May 2017, the US and Saudi Arabia declared Hashem a terrorist because of his role in Hezbollah.