A high-ranking Iranian commander, Seyyed Razi Mousavi, has been reported killed in what is suspected to be an Israeli airstrike in Syria, according to Iranian media. Mousavi, described by the semi-official Tasnim news agency as an experienced military adviser for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was reportedly targeted in the Sayyida Zeinab area southeast of Damascus.
This incident is part of a series of military actions that Israel has undertaken in Syria over the years, primarily aimed at targets linked to Iran. The frequency of these strikes has reportedly increased following an attack by Hamas on October 7.
The presence of Iranian forces in Syria, which dates back to the early stages of the Syrian civil war, has been crucial in supporting President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Mousavi, a close aide to the late IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani (who was killed by the United States in 2020), was considered one of the most senior IRGC operatives in Syria. He played a significant role in coordinating relations between Tehran and Damascus.
Following the incident, the Revolutionary Guards issued a statement asserting that Israel would face consequences for this action. The Israeli military, which typically does not comment on cross-border strikes, has not issued any statements regarding this incident.
This event occurs in a context where tensions are already high in the region. Earlier this month, Iran accused Israel of killing two members of the Revolutionary Guards in Syria, further intensifying the situation.