BFF-32 Israel says uncovers Hezbollah unit led by notorious commander

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Israel says uncovers Hezbollah unit led by notorious commander

JERUSALEM, March 13, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Israel’s army said Wednesday it had
uncovered a unit recently created by Hezbollah across the ceasefire line in
the Syrian Golan Heights and led by a commander previously jailed over an
attack on US forces.

With President Bashar al-Assad regaining control of southern Syria with the
help of Russia and Hezbollah backer Iran, Israel is concerned that a front
against it could be established there.

Hezbollah, based in neighbouring Lebanon, has also been supporting Assad in
the war.

Israel alleged the new unit, “masterminded” by Hezbollah, was being
established “to eventually control teams of Syrian operatives who will launch
attacks against Israel”.

“We are not going to allow Hezbollah to establish a terror infrastructure
on the Golan capable of striking Israeli civilians,” said Lieutenant Colonel
Jonathan Conricus, Israeli military spokesman.

“We hold the Syrian regime responsible for anything that happens inside
Syria aimed at Israel.”

The army said the unit was in the establishment and recruitment stage and
was not yet operational.

It said it is led by Hezbollah commander Ali Musa Daqduq.

In 2012, Daqduq was released by Iraq due to lack of evidence after being
accused of plotting to kill five US soldiers in the Iraqi city of Karbala.

Daqduq was captured in 2007 on suspicion that he had helped organise a raid
that led to the deaths of the five soldiers.

He was held by American troops until he was handed over to Iraqi officials
in December 2011.

BSS/AFP/MSY/1502 hrs