Israel Eliminates Hamas Leader Muhammad Shaheen in Precision Airstrike in Lebanon

IDF and ISA target Hamas’ operations chief in Lebanon; strike follows Iran-backed terror planning

Tel Aviv [Israel], February 18: In a joint military operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) successfully eliminated Muhammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas’ Operations Department in Lebanon, in an airstrike conducted in Sidon.

The Israel Air Force (IAF) fighter jets carried out the precision strike, targeting Shaheen, who was directing and planning attacks against Israeli civilians. According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, his activities were funded and supported by Iran.

Israel Confirms Strike on Hamas Leader

In an official statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the mission’s success, stating:

“A short while ago, in a joint IDF and ISA operation and with the direction of IDF and ISA Intelligence, IAF fighter jets struck and eliminated the terrorist Muhammad Shaheen in the area of Sidon. Shaheen served as the head of Hamas’ Operations Department in Lebanon.”

Shaheen was reportedly a key figure in orchestrating Hamas’ attacks during the ongoing conflict, playing a central role in coordinating strikes against Israel.

The IDF further stated:

“Muhammad Shaheen was eliminated after recently planning terror attacks, directed and funded by Iran, from Lebanese territory against Israeli civilians. Shaheen was a significant source of knowledge within the terrorist organization and was responsible throughout the war for various terror attacks and rocket launchers aimed at Israeli civilians.”

Israel Destroys Hezbollah Terror Infrastructure

In a separate operation, the IDF announced that its “Mountain Brigade” had successfully destroyed an underground Hezbollah terror complex located on Mount Dov, Lebanon.

The tunnel system, which stretched for dozens of meters, was discovered several weeks ago by IDF’s Mountain Brigade in collaboration with combat engineers from the Yahalom unit. The facility belonged to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit and contained combat equipment and living quarters.

Ceasefire Terms & Israeli Military Presence in Lebanon

Under the terms of a two-month ceasefire agreement, which went into effect on November 27, Hezbollah was expected to withdraw from areas south of the Litani River in Lebanon. While Israeli forces have withdrawn from most of southern Lebanon, the IDF continues to maintain military positions in five key locations with US approval, citing security concerns over Hezbollah’s armed presence.

Further updates are awaited as tensions in the region remain high.

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Tags: Israel Defense Forces, Hamas Leader Killed, IDF Airstrike, Lebanon, Hezbollah Tunnel, Middle East Conflict, Israel Security, Iran-Backed Terror