Top Iranian Commander, Deputy, Killed in Alleged Israeli Airstrike on Embassy in Damascus

By Yoni Weiss

A senior Iranian military commander and his deputy were killed Monday in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Islamic country’s embassy in Damascus, Syria, according to media reports, later confirmed by Iran.

Quds Force Commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi and his deputy, General Haji Rahimi were killed in the strike, marking one of the most high-profile assassinations carried out by Israel in decades.

Five other officers who were accompanying the pair were eliminated as well. Their names are: Hossein Amanallahi, Sayid Mehdi Jalalati, Mohsen Sedaghat, Ali Agha Babaei, Sayid Ali Salehi Roozbahani.

Iran, which routinely calls for Israel’s destruction, has been responsible for funding terror groups, including Hamas.

According to the pro-government Sham FM radio, the strikes targeted a building adjacent to the Iranian Embassy.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that Tehran holds Israel responsible for the consequences of the attack, and vowed revenge, Iran’s state media reported.

Photos circulating on social media depict the purported targeted site.

State-run broadcaster SANA has stated that air defense systems were engaging the reported Israeli attack.