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Israeli Drone Strike Kills Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya Commander in Lebanon
Hussein Atoui, top commander of al-Jamaa al-Islamiya's armed wing, killed in an Israeli drone strike south of Beirut, escalating tensions along Lebanon-Israel border.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-22
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya Commander in Lebanon

Israeli drone strikes have targeted and killed Hussein Atoui, a top commander of the armed wing of the Lebanese group al-Jamaa al-Islamiya. Atoui’s vehicle was struck near the coastal town of Damour, approximately 20 km south of Beirut, marking one of two deadly Israeli attacks on Tuesday.

Atoui, identified by his group as an academic leader and university professor, was traveling to work when the strike occurred. The group confirmed his death, labeling the attack as a deliberate targeting. Atoui led al-Jamaa al-Islamiya's military faction, al-Fajr Forces, which has been involved in numerous clashes with Israeli forces over the past year. The Lebanese Civil Defence confirmed the fatal attack, and rescuers recovered Atoui’s body from the vehicle.

This drone strike is part of a broader pattern of violations of the ceasefire agreement struck last November between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah. The ceasefire was aimed at curbing the violence that escalated into an all-out conflict, causing significant loss of life. However, the peace deal has seen sporadic violations from both sides, with Israel justifying its actions by citing ongoing rocket fire from across the border.

In addition to the strike that killed Atoui, another attack on the southern Tyre district resulted in the death of one individual. These attacks highlight the continued volatility in the region and the fragile nature of the ceasefire.

The United Nations reported that Israeli forces have killed at least 71 civilians in Lebanon since the truce, underscoring the risks of further escalation. Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese militant group with ties to Iran, continues to be a focal point of tension. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel has maintained strategic positions in southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese army faces pressure from the US to disarm Hezbollah and other militant factions.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has set a goal to disarm Hezbollah by 2025, although he has emphasized that the process is delicate and must be handled with caution due to its domestic and political implications.
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