What it is about:
Iranian state media reported that an Israeli missile strike outside Damascus in Syria on Monday resulted in the death of a senior adviser for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), named Sayyed Razi Mousavi. The event has raised tensions with assertions from Iran of a potential retaliatory response.
Why it matters:
The death of Mousavi is a significant event as he was described as one of the IRGC’s longest-serving advisers in Syria and had worked closely with the late IRGC Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. This altercation underlines the ongoing regional strife between Iran and Israel, and raises concerns over possible escalation of military actions in the area.
The Big Picture:
This incident represents another chapter in the series of attacks attributed to Israel against Iran-linked targets in Syria, highlighting the persistent efforts of Israel to counter Iranian influence near its borders. Iranian officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi, have condemned the attack and warned of repercussions, reflecting the fragile stability and the volatile security landscape of the Middle East.
Details of the Strike:
According to Iran’s ambassador in Damascus, Mousavi was at the Iranian embassy as a diplomatic figure and was hit by the missiles after finishing his work for the day. The attack was prominently covered by Iranian media, which interrupted regular programming to broadcast the news. Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, slammed the action as a demonstration of Israel’s “frustration and weakness.”
Iranian Response:
In the wake of the attack, Iranian leadership has voiced strong rhetoric against Israel, stating that Israel “will certainly pay the price” for the assassination. The IRGC also asserted that Israel will “pay for this crime.” Moreover, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicated Iran’s right to respond to the act at an appropriate time and place.
No Comment from Israel:
The Israeli military has not provided any comments regarding the allegations of their involvement in Mousavi’s death. Historically, Israel has carried out numerous operations against Iranian interests in Syria, aimed at obstructing Tehran’s military entrenchment in the region.
Background:
For over a decade, Iran has played a pivotal role in supporting the Syrian government during the ongoing civil war. The presence and activities of Iranian military personnel and the transfer of weaponry to proxies in Syria continue to be major concerns for Israel’s security strategy. Earlier this month, Iran had also reported the killing of two IRGC members in Syria by Israeli strikes, indicating the continuity of hostilities.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.