IRGC General's Body Recovered After Two Weeks
High-Ranking Iranian Military Officer Slain
On September 27, a high-ranking Iranian military officer, considered a key figure in Tehran's support to the 'resistance axis' abroad, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in south Beirut. The attack also claimed the life of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. The officer, Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan, was the second in command of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran confirmed his death shortly after the attack but his body was not found until two weeks later.
Body of Senior Quds Force Officer Recovered
The body of the IRGC deputy commander was finally recovered on Friday by Lebanese search and rescue workers, according to regional media. The Public Relations Department of the IRGC has confirmed that the body of Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan has been found. The delay in recovery speaks volumes about the magnitude of the bombs' impact and destruction.
Retaliatory Attack by Iran
The assassinations triggered Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel, in which it fired almost 200 ballistic missiles on October 1. The strikes occurred during a high-level meeting between Nasrallah and top Iranian officials, believed to have been held in a bunker underneath office or apartment buildings. It's likely that Israel used heavy US-supplied 'bunker busters' to penetrate that far down, causing Hezbollah and Iranian officials attending the meeting to be buried under the massive layers of rubble.
Background of Slain General Nilforoushan
Born in Isfahan in 1966, Nilforoushan began his military activities in the 1980s, joining the Basij and later the IRGC, holding various positions including Deputy Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces for Operations. Iranian media outlet Student News Network (SNN) described Nilforoushan as a “key figure” with extensive battlefield experience who played a crucial role in supporting the “Resistance Axis, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian resistance groups,” helping to strengthen their capabilities against Israel.
Hezbollah's Current Leadership Unclear
Hezbollah has claimed to have reconstituted its command and communications structure since the attack. However, it's unclear who exactly leads the paramilitary organization at this point. It's likely that no specific name will be publicized anytime soon, given the person would immediately become a top target of Israel.
Bottom Line
The recovery of Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan's body after two weeks underscores the severity of the Israeli airstrike. The incident, which also claimed the life of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, has had significant repercussions, including a retaliatory attack by Iran. The question of who will step up to lead Hezbollah remains unanswered. What are your thoughts on this development? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
