Who is Israel’s target Fuad Shukr? Hezbollah chief with a $5M bounty

Fuad Shukr, also known by his alias al-Hajj Mohsin, is a high-profile figure within Hezbollah, one of the most influential Shia militant groups in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. His prominence within the organization and his role in significant historical events have made him a key target for international law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Shukr’s role within Hezbollah

Shukr serves on Hezbollah’s highest military body, which oversees the group’s strategic military operations. In this role, he is a senior advisor on military affairs to Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary-general of Hezbollah. His influence extends to coordinating Hezbollah’s military campaigns and strategic initiatives, including its operations in Syria.

Historical significance

Shukr’s involvement in militant activities is deeply intertwined with some of the most notable events in recent Middle Eastern history. He was closely associated with Imad Mughniyah, a legendary Hezbollah commander known for his strategic acumen and operational success. Mughniyah’s death in 2008 was a significant blow to Hezbollah, and Shukr has since been seen as a key figure continuing Mughniyah’s legacy.

One of Shukr’s most notorious contributions led to United States putting a bounty for him was his role in the October 23, 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut. This attack, carried out by Hezbollah, resulted in the deaths of 241 U.S. military personnel and wounded 128 others.

The bombing was one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. forces in history and marked a significant escalation in the group’s militant activities. Shukr’s involvement in this attack underscores his critical role in Hezbollah’s operations and his longstanding presence in the group’s leadership.

International designations and $5M bounty

Due to his extensive involvement in terrorism, Shukr has been designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State since September 10, 2019. This designation came under Executive Order 13224, which targets individuals and entities involved in terrorism and poses a threat to U.S. interests. Earlier, on July 21, 2015, the U.S. Department of the Treasury had also sanctioned Shukr under Executive Order 13582 for his actions on behalf of Hezbollah. These sanctions block any property and interests he might have in U.S. jurisdictions and prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with him.

In recognition of his significant threat to global security, the U.S. Rewards for Justice program has offered up to $5 million for information leading to his capture or conviction. This reward reflects the high level of interest and concern from international authorities regarding Shukr’s activities and influence.

Israeli airstrikes targeting Shukr

Shukr’s profile has recently gained renewed attention due to the Israeli airstrike on Tuesday, targeting his location in the Dahieh district of Beirut. This airstrike, conducted by a drone, aimed to send a strong message in response to Shukr’s alleged involvement in a deadly rocket attack on Majdal Shams that killed 12. The strike garnered a new pace in the ongoing regional conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the importance of Shukr’s central role in the group’s military operations and the international response to his actions.