Alleged Israeli strike in Syria kills ex-bodyguard of Hezbollah leader, terror group says

The individual targeted in the strike was Abu al-Fadl Qarnabsh, former companion to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, according to the Lebanese media outlet Al Jadeed News.  

 Hezbollah members parade during a rally marking al-Quds Day, (Jerusalem Day) in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon April 5, 2024.  (photo credit: MOHAMED AZAKIR/REUTERS)
Hezbollah members parade during a rally marking al-Quds Day, (Jerusalem Day) in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon April 5, 2024.
(photo credit: MOHAMED AZAKIR/REUTERS)

An alleged Israeli strike hit a vehicle in Syrian territory on the Damascus-Beirut highway, killing one of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's former bodyguards, who security sources said was lately involved in transporting weapons for the terror group.

Official involved in transport of weapons

Hezbollah issued a statement mourning Yasser Nimr Qarbash without elaborating on his role in the organization.

Two security sources said the former bodyguard had become a mid-ranking Hezbollah official involved in the transport of weapons.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah gives a televised speech following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon August 7, 2020 in this still picture taken from a video (credit: AL-MANAR/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah gives a televised speech following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon August 7, 2020 in this still picture taken from a video (credit: AL-MANAR/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

Israel typically does not discuss attacks by its forces in Syria. When asked about the strike, an Israeli military spokesperson told Reuters: "We do not comment on reports in the foreign media."