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{{Short description|Hezbollah member (1961–2016)}}
{{Short description|Hezbollah member (1961–2016)}}
{{Update|date=October 2024|reason= The subject of article has been mentioned very frequently. Is recommended to be vigilant when editing this article due to its sensitivity.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix =
| image = Mustafa Badreddine (profile portrait).jpg
| name = <!-- defaults to article title when left blank -->
| image_size =
| caption =
| honorific_suffix =
| image = Mustafa Badreddine (profile portrait).jpg <!-- filename only, no "File:" or "Image:" prefix, and no enclosing [[brackets]] -->
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1961|4|6|df=y}}
| image_upright =
| birth_place = [[Ghobeiry|Al Ghobeiry]], Lebanon
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| death_date = {{death date and age|2016|05|12|1961|4|6|df=y}}
| alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software -->
| death_place = [[Damascus International Airport]], [[Syria]]
| caption =
| burial_place = Rawdat Shahidayn, Ghobeiry
| nationality = Lebanese
| native_name =
| native_name_lang = {{langx|ar|مُصْطَفَىٰ بَدْرِ الدِّينِ|Muṣṭafā Badr ad-Dīn}}
| alma_mater =
| occupation =
| pronunciation =
| birth_name = <!-- only use if different from name -->
| years_active = 1980s–2016
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1961|4|6|df=y}} <!-- {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} for living people supply only the year with {{Birth year and age|YYYY}} unless the exact date is already widely published, as per [[WP:DOB]]. For people who have died, use {{Birth date|YYYY|MM|DD}}. -->
| party = [[Hezbollah]]
| spouse = Fatima Hareb
| birth_place = [[Ghobeiry|Al Ghobeiry]], Lebanon
| baptised = <!-- will not display if birth_date is entered -->
| children =
| disappeared_date = <!-- {{Disappeared date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (disappeared date then birth date) -->
| parents = Amine Badreddine (father) <br> Fatima Jezeini (mother)
| signature =
| disappeared_place =
| disappeared_status =
| death_date = {{death date and age|2016|05|12|1961|4|6|df=y}} <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (enter DEATH date then BIRTH date (e.g., ...|1967|8|31|1908|2|28}} use both this parameter and |birth_date to display the person's date of birth, date of death, and age at death) -->
| death_place = [[Damascus International Airport]], [[Syria]]
| death_cause = <!-- should only be included when the cause of death has significance for the subject's notability -->
| body_discovered =
| resting_place =
| resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline}} -->
| burial_place = Rawdat Shahidayn, Ghobeiry <!-- may be used instead of resting_place and resting_place_coordinates (displays "Burial place" as label) -->
| burial_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline}} -->
| monuments =
| nationality = <!-- do not use per [[WP:INFONAT]] -->
| other_names =
| siglum =
| citizenship = [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] <!-- use only when necessary per [[WP:INFONAT]] -->
| education =
| alma_mater =
| occupation =
| years_active = 1983–2016
| era =
| employer =
| organization =
| agent = <!-- discouraged in most cases, specifically when promotional, and requiring a reliable source -->
| known_for =
| notable_works = <!-- produces label "Notable work"; may be overridden by |credits=, which produces label "Notable credit(s)"; or by |works=, which produces label "Works"; or by |label_name=, which produces label "Label(s)" -->
| style =
| height = <!-- "X cm", "X m" or "X ft Y in" plus optional reference (conversions are automatic) -->
| television =
| title = [[Hezbollah]] Chief of Staff <!-- formal/awarded/job title. The parameter |office=may be used as an alternative when the label is better rendered as "Office" (e.g. public office or appointments) -->
| term =
| predecessor = [[Imad Mughniyeh]]
| successor = [[Mustafa Mughnieyeh]]
| party = [[Hezbollah]]
| otherparty =
| movement =
| opponents =
| boards =
| criminal_charges = <!-- criminality parameters should be supported with citations from reliable sources -->
| criminal_penalty =
| criminal_status =
| spouse = Fatima Hareb <!-- use article title or common name -->
| partner = <!-- (unmarried long-term partner) -->
| children =
| parents = <!-- overrides mother and father parameters -->
| mother = Fatima Jezeini <!-- may be used (optionally with father parameter) in place of parents parameter (displays "Parent(s)" as label) -->
| father = Amine Badreddine <!-- may be used (optionally with mother parameter) in place of parents parameter (displays "Parent(s)" as label) -->
| relatives = [[Imad Mughniyeh]] (cousin)
| family =
| callsign = <!-- amateur radio, use if relevant -->
| awards =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| module =
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}}
}}
'''Mustafa Badreddine''' ({{lang-ar|مُصْطَفَىٰ بَدْرِ الدِّينِ|Muṣṭafā Badr ad-Dīn}}&lrm;; 6 April 1961 – 12 May 2016), also known as Mustafa Badr Al Din, Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Mustafa Youssef Badreddine, Sami Issa, and Elias Fouad Saab,<ref name=stfl>{{cite web|title=Mustafa Amine Badreddine
'''Mustafa Badreddine''' ({{langx|ar|مُصْطَفَىٰ بَدْرِ الدِّينِ|Muṣṭafā Badr ad-Dīn}}&lrm;; 6 April 1961 – 12 May 2016; also known by his aliases as '''Mustafa Amine Badreddine''', '''Mustafa Youssef Badreddine''', '''Sami Issa''', and '''Elias Fouad Saab''')<ref name=stfl>{{cite web|title=Mustafa Amine Badreddine
|url=http://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/stl-11-01/main/accused/mustafa-amine-badreddine|work=Special Tribune for Lebanon|access-date=15 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020031128/http://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/stl-11-01/main/accused/mustafa-amine-badreddine|archivedate=20 October 2012}}</ref> was a military leader of [[Hezbollah]] and both the cousin and brother-in-law of [[Imad Mughniyah]].<ref name=lwarj14>{{cite news|author=Bill Roggio|title=US adds 2 senior Hezbollah military leaders to terror list|access-date=15 September 2012|work=Long War Journal|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/09/us_ads_two_senior_he.php|date=14 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Erich Follath|title=New Evidence Points to Hezbollah in Hariri Murder|work=[[Der Spiegel]]|date=23 May 2009
|url=http://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/stl-11-01/main/accused/mustafa-amine-badreddine|work=Special Tribune for Lebanon|access-date=15 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020031128/http://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/stl-11-01/main/accused/mustafa-amine-badreddine|archivedate=20 October 2012}}</ref> was a Lebanese militant leader and both the cousin and brother-in-law of [[Imad Mughniyeh]].<ref name=lwarj14>{{cite news|author=Bill Roggio|title=US adds 2 senior Hezbollah military leaders to terror list|access-date=15 September 2012|work=Long War Journal|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/09/us_ads_two_senior_he.php|date=14 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Erich Follath|title=New Evidence Points to Hezbollah in Hariri Murder|work=[[Der Spiegel]]|date=23 May 2009|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/breakthrough-in-tribunal-investigation-new-evidence-points-to-hezbollah-in-hariri-murder-a-626412-2.html|access-date=15 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=naharnet/> He was nicknamed [[Dhu al-Fiqar]] referring to the legendary sword of [[Ali]].<ref name="bbcob"/> His death was seen as one of the biggest blows in the [[Hezbollah]] leadership.<ref name="middleeasteye1">{{cite web|author=Sharif Nashashibi|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/hezbollah-leaving-itself-exposed-israel-923625986|title=Hezbollah is leaving itself exposed to Israel|work=[[Middle East Eye]]|date=20 May 2016|access-date=27 May 2016}}</ref>
|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/breakthrough-in-tribunal-investigation-new-evidence-points-to-hezbollah-in-hariri-murder-a-626412-2.html|access-date=15 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=naharnet/> He was nicknamed [[Dhu al-Fiqar]] referring to the legendary sword of Imam [[Ali]].<ref name="bbcob"/> His death is seen as one of the biggest blows in the Hezbollah leadership.<ref name="middleeasteye1">{{cite web|author=Sharif Nashashibi|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/hezbollah-leaving-itself-exposed-israel-923625986|title=Hezbollah is leaving itself exposed to Israel|work=[[Middle East Eye]]|date=20 May 2016|access-date=27 May 2016}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
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==Hezbollah==
==Hezbollah==
Until 1982, Badreddine, like Imad Mughniyah, was part of [[Fatah]]'s [[Force 17]], and later, they both joined Hezbollah.<ref name=meiramit/> Badreddine was among Hezbollah's bomb makers.<ref>{{cite book|author=Steven O'Hern|title=Iran's Revolutionary Guard: The Threat that Grows While America Sleeps|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F9cJ1q-uFrcC&pg=PP2|year=2012|publisher=Potomac Books, Inc.|isbn=978-1-59797-701-2|page=213
Until 1982, Badreddine, like Imad Mughniyeh, was part of [[Fatah]]'s [[Force 17]], and later, they both joined Hezbollah.<ref name=meiramit/> Badreddine was among Hezbollah's bomb makers.<ref>{{cite book|author=Steven O'Hern|title=Iran's Revolutionary Guard: The Threat that Grows While America Sleeps|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F9cJ1q-uFrcC&pg=PP2|year=2012|publisher=Potomac Books, Inc.|isbn=978-1-59797-701-2|page=213
|location=Washington, DC}}</ref>
|location=Washington, DC}}</ref>


Badreddine was also a member of the Shura council for Hezbollah<ref name=allvoices>{{cite news|title=Mustafa Badr Al Din|work=All Voices
Badreddine was also a member of the [[Majlis al-Shura|Shura council]] for Hezbollah<ref name=allvoices>{{cite news|title=Mustafa Badr Al Din|work=All Voices
|url=http://www.allvoices.com/people/Mustafa_Badr_al-Din|access-date=15 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318214918/http://www.allvoices.com/people/Mustafa_Badr_al-Din}}</ref> and the head of the unit for overseas operations, Hezbollah's external operations branch.<ref name=naharnet/><ref name=meiramit>{{cite web|title=Hezbollah: Portrait of a Terrorist Organization|url=http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20436/E_158_12_1231723028.pdf|work=The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center|access-date=12 January 2013|date=18 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Samuel Segev|author-link=Samuel Segev|title=Lebanese factions form battle lines|work=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Tel Aviv|access-date=24 October 2012|date=5 July 2011
|url=http://www.allvoices.com/people/Mustafa_Badr_al-Din|access-date=15 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318214918/http://www.allvoices.com/people/Mustafa_Badr_al-Din}}</ref> and the head of the unit for overseas operations, Hezbollah's external operations branch.<ref name=naharnet/><ref name=meiramit>{{cite web|title=Hezbollah: Portrait of a Terrorist Organization|url=http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20436/E_158_12_1231723028.pdf|work=The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center|access-date=12 January 2013|date=18 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Samuel Segev|author-link=Samuel Segev
|title=Lebanese factions form battle lines|work=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Tel Aviv|access-date=24 October 2012|date=5 July 2011
|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/lebanese-factions-form-battle-lines-124996584.html}}</ref> His aide in this post was Abdul Hadi Hammade, who previously commanded Hezbollah's secret Position 71.<ref name=hretz/> Prior to his appointment to this post in 2009, replacing Imad Mughniyah,<ref>{{cite news|author=Charles Glass|title=For Lebanon, the truth is a poisoned chalice|access-date=9 April 2013
|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/lebanese-factions-form-battle-lines-124996584.html}}</ref> His aide in this post was Abdul Hadi Hammade, who previously commanded Hezbollah's secret Position 71.<ref name=hretz/> Prior to his appointment to this post in 2009, replacing Imad Mughniyah,<ref>{{cite news|author=Charles Glass|title=For Lebanon, the truth is a poisoned chalice|access-date=9 April 2013
|newspaper=The National|date=2 July 2011|url=http://www.charlesglass.net/archives/2011/07/for_lebanon_the.html|archive-date=28 September 2011
|newspaper=The National|date=2 July 2011|url=http://www.charlesglass.net/archives/2011/07/for_lebanon_the.html|archive-date=28 September 2011
Line 39: Line 101:
|date=January 2013|access-date=5 August 2013|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hizballah-and-qods-force-irans-shadow-war-west}}</ref> Badreddine served as the commander of Hezbollah's military arm<ref>{{cite web|title=Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress
|date=January 2013|access-date=5 August 2013|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hizballah-and-qods-force-irans-shadow-war-west}}</ref> Badreddine served as the commander of Hezbollah's military arm<ref>{{cite web|title=Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress
|author=Casey L. Addis|author2=Christopher M. Blanchard|publisher=Congressional Research Service|access-date=31 December 2012|date=8 October 2010
|author=Casey L. Addis|author2=Christopher M. Blanchard|publisher=Congressional Research Service|access-date=31 December 2012|date=8 October 2010
|url=http://unhcr.org/refworld/pdfid/4cc7c1612.pdf}}</ref> and an advisor to Hezbollah's Secretary General [[Hassan Nasrallah]].<ref name=hretz>{{cite news|author=Yossi Melman|title=Inside Intel / Why sell arms when you can play golf?|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/inside-intel-why-sell-arms-when-you-can-play-golf-1.278328|access-date=24 October 2012|newspaper=Haaretz|date=18 June 2009}}</ref> Badreddine's appointment as the head of overseas operation was not supported by deputy general secretary of Hezbollah, [[Naim Qassem]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Zvi Barel|title=Who's breathing down Hezbollah leader's neck?|url=http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/who-s-breathing-down-hezbollah-leader-s-neck.premium-1.505676|access-date=22 March 2013|newspaper=Haaretz|date=25 February 2013}}</ref> He was also Nasrallah's chief of intelligence.<ref name=dspiegel>{{cite magazine|author=Erich Follath|title=Was Murdered Intelligence Chief a Hero or Double Agent|magazine=Der Spiegel|date=5 November 2012|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/lebanon-tribunal-may-investigate-recent-assassination-a-865242.html
|url=http://unhcr.org/refworld/pdfid/4cc7c1612.pdf}}</ref> and an advisor to Hezbollah's Secretary General [[Hassan Nasrallah]].<ref name=hretz>{{cite news|author=Yossi Melman|newspaper=Haaretz|title=Inside Intel / Why sell arms when you can play golf?|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/inside-intel-why-sell-arms-when-you-can-play-golf-1.278328|access-date=24 October 2012|date=18 June 2009}}</ref> Badreddine's appointment as the head of overseas operation was not supported by deputy general secretary of Hezbollah, [[Naim Qassem]].<ref>{{cite news
|author=Zvi Barel|title=Who's breathing down Hezbollah leader's neck?|url=http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/who-s-breathing-down-hezbollah-leader-s-neck.premium-1.505676|access-date=22 March 2013|newspaper=Haaretz|date=25 February 2013}}</ref> He was also Nasrallah's chief of intelligence.<ref name=dspiegel>{{cite magazine|author=Erich Follath|title=Was Murdered Intelligence Chief a Hero or Double Agent|magazine=[[Der Spiegel]]
|date=5 November 2012|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/lebanon-tribunal-may-investigate-recent-assassination-a-865242.html
|access-date=5 November 2012}}</ref>
|access-date=5 November 2012}}</ref>


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|url=http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/06/30/mustafa-badreddine-is-main-hezbollah-suspect-in-hariris-murder/|work=Ya Libnan|date=30 June 2011}}</ref>
|url=http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/06/30/mustafa-badreddine-is-main-hezbollah-suspect-in-hariris-murder/|work=Ya Libnan|date=30 June 2011}}</ref>


Following the beginning of the [[Syrian Civil War]] in 2011 Badreddine went to Syria as one of the Hezbollah commanders to defend the government of [[Bashar Assad]].<ref name=almanar/> He joined the war in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Who killed Mustafa Badreddine?|url=http://irannewsupdate.com/news/middle-east/3590-who-killed-mustafa-badreddine.html|access-date=25 March 2017|work=Iran News Update|date=10 March 2017}}</ref> He was fighting with opposition groups in [[Aleppo]]'s countryside.<ref name="16al16"/>
Following the beginning of the [[Syrian Civil War]] in 2011 Badreddine went to [[Syria]] as one of the Hezbollah commanders to defend the government of [[Bashar Assad]].<ref name=almanar/> He joined the war in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Who killed Mustafa Badreddine?|work=Iran News Update
|url=http://irannewsupdate.com/news/middle-east/3590-who-killed-mustafa-badreddine.html|access-date=25 March 2017|date=10 March 2017}}</ref> He was fighting with opposition groups in [[Aleppo]]'s countryside.<ref name="16al16"/>


Badreddine was behind the successful [[Al-Otaiba ambush]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mostafa Badreddine: What You Planted in Syria is Being Harvested|url=https://alahedlb.com/english/article.php?id=65|access-date=18 August 2022|website=alahedlb.com|language=ar|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408021756/https://alahedlb.com/english/article.php?id=65|url-status=dead}}</ref> that killed 175-200 anti-government fighters.
Badreddine was behind the successful [[Al-Otaiba ambush]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mostafa Badreddine: What You Planted in Syria is Being Harvested|url=https://alahedlb.com/english/article.php?id=65|access-date=18 August 2022|website=alahedlb.com|language=ar|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408021756/https://alahedlb.com/english/article.php?id=65|url-status=dead}}</ref> that killed 175-200 [[Al-Nusra Front|Al-Nusra]] fighters.


==Alleged activities==
==Alleged activities==
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Badreddine entered Kuwait in 1983 on a [[counterfeit|fake]] Lebanese passport under the name of Elias Al Saab.<ref name=atimes11>{{cite news
Badreddine entered Kuwait in 1983 on a [[counterfeit|fake]] Lebanese passport under the name of Elias Al Saab.<ref name=atimes11>{{cite news
|title=Lebanon Braces for Hezbollah Backlash Over Hariri Case|work=Arab Times|access-date=7 October 2012|date=1 July 2011|location=Kuwait City
|title=Lebanon Braces for Hezbollah Backlash Over Hariri Case|work=Arab Times|access-date=7 October 2012|date=1 July 2011|location=Kuwait City
|url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170982/reftab/96/Default.aspx}}</ref><ref name=ktimes3j11/> He was a member of the militant group [[Islamic Dawa Party]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Andrew C. McCarthy|title=Negotiate with Iran|work=National Review Online|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219452/negotiate-iran-andrew-c-mccarthy#|access-date=16 December 2012|date=8 December 2006|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203160724/http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219452/negotiate-iran-andrew-c-mccarthy}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Shannon W. Caudill|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA516517|title=Hizballah Rising: Iran's Proxy Warriors|journal=IFQ
|url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170982/reftab/96/Default.aspx}}</ref><ref name=ktimes3j11/> He was a member of the militant group [[Islamic Dawa Party]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Andrew C. McCarthy|title=Negotiate with Iran|work=National Review Online|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219452/negotiate-iran-andrew-c-mccarthy#|access-date=16 December 2012|date=8 December 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203160724/http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219452/negotiate-iran-andrew-c-mccarthy|archive-date=3 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Shannon W. Caudill|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA516517
|title=Hizballah Rising: Iran's Proxy Warriors|journal=IFQ|year=2008|volume=29}}</ref>
|year=2008|volume=29}}</ref>


He was arrested in Kuwait together with 17 suspects one month after seven blasts in the country on 13 December 1983, including the truck bombings of the US and French embassies in [[Kuwait City]].<ref name=ktimes3j11>{{cite news|title=Top suspect in Hariri murder familiar name in Kuwait jail|access-date=4 August 2013|work=Lebanonwire|url=http://www.lebanonwire.com/1107MLN/11070304ALRAI.asp|date=2 July 2011|url-status=dead
He was arrested in Kuwait together with 17 suspects one month after seven blasts in the country on 13 December 1983, including the truck bombings of the US and French embassies in [[Kuwait City]].<ref name=ktimes3j11>{{cite news|title=Top suspect in Hariri murder familiar name in Kuwait jail|access-date=4 August 2013|work=Lebanonwire|url=http://www.lebanonwire.com/1107MLN/11070304ALRAI.asp|date=2 July 2011|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226225644/http://lebanonwire.com/1107MLN/11070304ALRAI.asp|archivedate=26 December 2012}}</ref><ref name=pbs/> The attacks left five people dead and 86 injured.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shiite leader demands release of 15|newspaper=Times Daily
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226225644/http://lebanonwire.com/1107MLN/11070304ALRAI.asp|archivedate=26 December 2012}}</ref><ref name=pbs/> The attacks left five people dead and 86 injured.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shiite leader demands release of 15|newspaper=Times Daily
|date=13 August 1990|agency=AP|location=Beirut|access-date=16 December 2012|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FFceAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2McEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3715,1837770&dq=1983+kuwait+bombings+mustafa+badreddin&hl=en}}</ref> However, it is also argued that the use of the group's name in these events was a deception to hide the real perpetrators.<ref>{{cite news|author=A. William Samii|title=Shia political alternatives in postwar Iraq|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Shia+political+alternatives+in+postwar+Iraq.-a0103799909|work=Middle East Policy
|date=13 August 1990|agency=AP|location=Beirut|access-date=16 December 2012|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FFceAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2McEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3715,1837770&dq=1983+kuwait+bombings+mustafa+badreddin&hl=en}}</ref> However, it is also argued that the use of the group's name in these events was a deception to hide the real perpetrators.<ref>{{cite news|author=A. William Samii|title=Shia political alternatives in postwar Iraq|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Shia+political+alternatives+in+postwar+Iraq.-a0103799909|work=Middle East Policy
|date=22 June 2003|access-date=25 March 2013}}</ref> In 1985, Badreddine allegedly ordered the assassination of Kuwait emir, but the attempt failed.<ref>{{cite news|author=Elad Benari|title=Report: Hizbullah Activist Behind Hariri Assassination|date=30 July 2010
|date=22 June 2003|access-date=25 March 2013}}</ref> In 1985, Badreddine allegedly ordered the assassination of Kuwait emir, but the attempt failed.<ref>{{cite news|author=Elad Benari|title=Report: Hizbullah Activist Behind Hariri Assassination|date=30 July 2010|access-date=6 March 2013|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/138861#.UTfLNhxSjm4|newspaper=Arutz Sheva 7}}</ref>
|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/138861#.UTfLNhxSjm4|access-date=6 March 2013|newspaper=Arutz Sheva 7}}</ref>


As a result of the 16-week trials,<ref name=pbs>{{cite web|work=PBS|access-date=16 December 2012|title=Terrorist attacks on America
As a result of the 16-week trials,<ref name=pbs>{{cite web|work=PBS|access-date=16 December 2012|title=Terrorist attacks on America
Line 69: Line 133:
|agency=AP}}</ref> Since his leg had been amputated, he was with a wooden leg in the jail.<ref name=ktimes3j11/> In the court, Badreddine told the prosecutor that he did not recognize the sovereignty of Kuwait.<ref name=ktimes3j11/>
|agency=AP}}</ref> Since his leg had been amputated, he was with a wooden leg in the jail.<ref name=ktimes3j11/> In the court, Badreddine told the prosecutor that he did not recognize the sovereignty of Kuwait.<ref name=ktimes3j11/>


In order to force the authorities to release Badreddine and others, Hezbollah members headed by Imad Mughniyah [[Lebanon hostage crisis|kidnapped]] at least four Western citizens in Lebanon.<ref>{{cite news|author=Caryle Murphy|title=Bombs, Hostages: A Family Link
In order to force the authorities to release Badreddine and others, Hezbollah members headed by Imad Mughniyeh [[Lebanon hostage crisis|kidnapped]] at least four Western citizens in Lebanon.<ref>{{cite news|author=Caryle Murphy|title=Bombs, Hostages: A Family Link
|url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r101:S25JY0-B485:|access-date=16 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=24 July 1990
|url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r101:S25JY0-B485:|access-date=16 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=24 July 1990
|archive-date=5 April 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405150016/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r101:S25JY0-B485:}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Ayla Hammond Schbley|title=Torn Between God, Family, and Money: The Changing Profile of Lebanon's Religious Terrorists|journal=Studies in Conflict & Terrorism|year=2000|volume=23|issue=3|pages=175–196|doi=10.1080/105761000412760
|archive-date=5 April 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405150016/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r101:S25JY0-B485:}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Ayla Hammond Schbley|title=Torn Between God, Family, and Money: The Changing Profile of Lebanon's Religious Terrorists|journal=Studies in Conflict & Terrorism|year=2000|volume=23|issue=3|pages=175–196|doi=10.1080/105761000412760
Line 88: Line 152:


Badreddine was specifically accused of planning and supervising the assassination by the tribunal.<ref>{{cite news|author=Roee Nahmias|work=YNet News|title=Hezbollah members indicted in Hariri murder|access-date=7 November 2012|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4089401,00.html
Badreddine was specifically accused of planning and supervising the assassination by the tribunal.<ref>{{cite news|author=Roee Nahmias|work=YNet News|title=Hezbollah members indicted in Hariri murder|access-date=7 November 2012|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4089401,00.html
|date=30 June 2011}}</ref> In addition, he was described by the STL as the main planner of the operation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rafik Hariri murder: Suspects to be tried in absentia|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16849508|access-date=17 March 2013|publisher=BBC News|date=2 February 2012}}</ref> Accusations about him and other three Hezbollah members were based on mobile phone evidence.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hezbollah leader Nasrallah rejects Hariri indictments|access-date=16 December 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14004096|work=BBC|date=3 July 2011}}</ref> Hasan Nasrallah threatened the tribunal upon its declaration.<ref name=dspiegel/> Since then, Badreddine and the others disappeared and allegedly fled to Iran.<ref name=dspiegel/> On 1 February 2012, the STL decided to try him [[trial in absentia|in absentia]].<ref name=stfl/> The trial would begin in March 2013, but it was postponed, and no date was specified.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hariri slaying trial postponed at UN-backed court|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|agency=AP|access-date=13 March 2013|date=21 February 2013|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/21/hariri-slaying-trial-postponed-at-un-backed-court/}}</ref> The trial began in January 2014.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Matthew Levitt|title=Hezbollah's Syrian Quagmire|journal=Prism|date=2014|volume=5|issue=1
|date=30 June 2011}}</ref> In addition, he was described by the STL as the main planner of the operation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rafik Hariri murder: Suspects to be tried in absentia|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16849508|access-date=17 March 2013|publisher=BBC News|date=2 February 2012}}</ref> Accusations about him and other three Hezbollah members were based on mobile phone evidence.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hezbollah leader Nasrallah rejects Hariri indictments|access-date=16 December 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14004096|work=BBC|date=3 July 2011}}</ref> Hasan Nasrallah threatened the tribunal upon its declaration.<ref name=dspiegel/> Since then, Badreddine and the others disappeared and allegedly fled to Iran.<ref name=dspiegel/> On 1 February 2012, the STL decided to put him to trail [[trial in absentia|in absentia]].<ref name=stfl/> The trial would begin in March 2013, but it was postponed, and no date was specified.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hariri slaying trial postponed at UN-backed court|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|agency=AP|access-date=13 March 2013|date=21 February 2013|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/21/hariri-slaying-trial-postponed-at-un-backed-court/}}</ref> The trial began in January 2014.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Matthew Levitt|title=Hezbollah's Syrian Quagmire|journal=Prism|date=2014|volume=5|issue=1
|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hezbollahs-syrian-quagmire}}</ref> During the trail. information regarding Hezbollah's assassination squad - Unit 121. A unit that executed a large number of political assassinations in Lebanon.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024 |title=Salim Ayash, convicted in Rafik Hariri's assassination, reportedly killed in Syria |url=https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1435018/salim-ayash-convicted-in-rafic-hariris-assassination-reportedly-killed-in-syria.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Levitt |first=Matthew |date=2023 |title=Episode 8: Hezbollah Assassinations Unit 121 |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/media/6965}}</ref>
|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hezbollahs-syrian-quagmire}}</ref>


===Designation===
===Designation===
Badreddine and Talal Hamiyah were put on the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the [[US Treasury Department]] on 13 September 2012 due to his alleged role as top military commander, replacing Mugniyah who died in 2008.<ref name=lwarj14/><ref>{{cite press release
Badreddine and [[Talal Hamiyah]] were put on the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the [[US Treasury Department]] on 13 September 2012 due to his alleged role as top military commander, replacing Mugniyah who died in 2008.<ref name=lwarj14/><ref>{{cite press release
|title=Treasury Designates Hizballah Leadership|date=13 September 2012|url=http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1709.aspx
|title=Treasury Designates Hizballah Leadership|date=13 September 2012|url=http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1709.aspx
|work=US Department of the Treasury|access-date=15 September 2012}}</ref> The basis for their designation was E.O. 13224 for providing support to Hezbollah's terrorist activities in the [[Middle East]] and around the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership
|work=US Department of the Treasury|access-date=15 September 2012}}</ref> The basis for their designation was E.O. 13224 for providing support to Hezbollah's terrorist activities in the [[Middle East]] and around the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership
Line 102: Line 166:


===Allegations===
===Allegations===
====Hezbollah: "Takfiri groups"====
Al Manar TV announced Badreddin's death stating that he was the target in a huge blast near the airport and that other Hezbollah fighters were wounded. The station added that the Hezbollah did not immediately point a finger at Israel and they would investigate whether the blast was from an airstrike, rocket attack or other cause.<ref name="tnyt"/> Then Hezbollah stated that an attack was launched by "[[Takfiri]] groups" and said: "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment" carried out by Takfiri groups."<ref>{{cite news
Al Manar TV announced Badreddin's death stating that he was the target in a huge blast near the airport and that other Hezbollah fighters were wounded. The station added that the Hezbollah did not immediately point a finger at Israel and they would investigate whether the blast was from an airstrike, rocket attack or other cause.<ref name="tnyt"/> Then Hezbollah stated that an attack was launched by "[[Takfiri]] groups" and said: "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment" carried out by Takfiri groups."<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/14/hezbollah-blames-sunni-militants-for-commanders-death|title=Hezbollah blames Sunni militants for commander's death|work=The Guardian|date=14 May 2016|access-date=14 May 2016|author=Kareem Shaheen}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/14/hezbollah-blames-sunni-militants-for-commanders-death|title=Hezbollah blames Sunni militants for commander's death|work=The Guardian|date=14 May 2016|access-date=14 May 2016|author=Kareem Shaheen}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
Line 110: Line 175:
The killing of Badreddine has not been claimed by any of the various jihadist and rebel groups in and around Damascus.<ref>Bill Roggio. (14 May 2016) [http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/05/syrian-rebels-deny-hezbollahs-military-commander-killed-in-artillery-shelling.php Syrian rebels deny Hezbollah’s military commander killed in ‘artillery shelling’] ''The Long War Journal''. Retrieved 15 May 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/05/15/world/hezbollah-says-sunni-extremists-killed-military-chief-in-syria/ Hezbollah says Sunni extremists killed military chief in Syria] ''The Japan Times''. 14 May 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.</ref> It is felt extremely unlikely that the Syrian rebels would have had the information and weaponry as the ''[[Middle East Eye]]'' reported that "the nearest opposition artillery positions … were 20 kilometres away, and there are doubts that their shells could achieve pinpoint accuracy from that distance." to carry out what seems to be a surgical strike as he was killed in a room and "nobody else was hurt.<ref name="middleeasteye1"/> The conclusion: somebody followed him and knew exactly when he would arrive and when he would be in the room."<ref>[http://yalibnan.com/2016/05/16/what-the-killing-of-badreddine-means-for-hezbollah-and-the-future-of-the-me/ What the killing of Badreddine means for Hezbollah and the future of the ME] ''Ya Lebanon''. 16 May 2016.</ref> If it was artillery as claimed, it shows that the security breach could only have come from Hezbollah.<ref name="middleeasteye1"/>
The killing of Badreddine has not been claimed by any of the various jihadist and rebel groups in and around Damascus.<ref>Bill Roggio. (14 May 2016) [http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/05/syrian-rebels-deny-hezbollahs-military-commander-killed-in-artillery-shelling.php Syrian rebels deny Hezbollah’s military commander killed in ‘artillery shelling’] ''The Long War Journal''. Retrieved 15 May 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/05/15/world/hezbollah-says-sunni-extremists-killed-military-chief-in-syria/ Hezbollah says Sunni extremists killed military chief in Syria] ''The Japan Times''. 14 May 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.</ref> It is felt extremely unlikely that the Syrian rebels would have had the information and weaponry as the ''[[Middle East Eye]]'' reported that "the nearest opposition artillery positions … were 20 kilometres away, and there are doubts that their shells could achieve pinpoint accuracy from that distance." to carry out what seems to be a surgical strike as he was killed in a room and "nobody else was hurt.<ref name="middleeasteye1"/> The conclusion: somebody followed him and knew exactly when he would arrive and when he would be in the room."<ref>[http://yalibnan.com/2016/05/16/what-the-killing-of-badreddine-means-for-hezbollah-and-the-future-of-the-me/ What the killing of Badreddine means for Hezbollah and the future of the ME] ''Ya Lebanon''. 16 May 2016.</ref> If it was artillery as claimed, it shows that the security breach could only have come from Hezbollah.<ref name="middleeasteye1"/>


====Saudi, Israeli sources: Hezbollah with Iranian backing====
The Saudi-owned [[Al Arabiya]] reported that Badreddine was killed by his former bodyguard, a man he trusted completely and one of Hezbollah's top operatives, Ibrahim Hussein Jazini<ref>{{Cite web|work=The Times of Israel|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/fatal-dissent-when-a-hezbollah-commander-argued-with-iran/|title=Fatal dissent: When a Hezbollah commander argued with Iran|date=8 April 2017}}</ref> and bodyguard of Hassan Nasrallah, by order of Nasrallah and Iranian general [[Qasem Soleimani]].<ref name=alarabiya1>{{cite news|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=8 March 2017
The Saudi-owned [[Al Arabiya]] reported that Badreddine was killed by his former bodyguard, a man he trusted completely and one of Hezbollah's top operatives, Ibrahim Hussein Jazini<ref>{{Cite web|work=The Times of Israel|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/fatal-dissent-when-a-hezbollah-commander-argued-with-iran/|title=Fatal dissent: When a Hezbollah commander argued with Iran|date=8 April 2017}}</ref> and bodyguard of Hassan Nasrallah, by order of Nasrallah and Iranian general [[Qasem Soleimani]].<ref name=alarabiya1>{{cite news|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=8 March 2017
|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2017/03/08/Al-Arabiya-investigates-Who-really-killed-Hezbollah-s-Mustafa-Badreddine-.html|title=Al Arabiya investigates: Who really killed Hezbollah's Mustafa Badreddine?}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Here is the assassin of Hezbollah militias commander|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/webtv/reports/2017/03/08/Here-is-the-assassin-of-Hezbollah-militias-commander-.html|work=Al Arabiya|date=8 March 2017}}</ref> On 21 March 2017 the head of the Israel Defense Forces, [[Gadi Eizenkot]], stated that Badreddine was killed by his own men due to internal rivalries,<ref>{{cite web|author=Judah Ari Gross|work=Times of Israel|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-chief-hezbollah-commander-killed-by-his-own-men-last-year/|title=IDF chief: Hezbollah commander killed by his own men last year|date=21 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/israeli-army-chief-says-hezbollah-leader-killed-by-his-own-men/3775222.html|title=Israeli Army Chief: Hezbollah Leader Killed by His Own Men|publisher=Voice of America|date=21 March 2017}}</ref> and the order to kill Badreddine was given by Hassan Nasrallah.<ref>{{cite news|author=Josef Federman|title=Israeli Army Chef: Hezbollah leader killed by his own men|access-date=22 March 2017|agency=Associated Press|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_SYRIA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-03-21-07-32-01|date=21 March 2017|location=Jerusalem}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=21 March 2017
|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2017/03/08/Al-Arabiya-investigates-Who-really-killed-Hezbollah-s-Mustafa-Badreddine-.html|title=Al Arabiya investigates: Who really killed Hezbollah's Mustafa Badreddine?}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Here is the assassin of Hezbollah militias commander|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/webtv/reports/2017/03/08/Here-is-the-assassin-of-Hezbollah-militias-commander-.html|work=Al Arabiya|date=8 March 2017}}</ref> On 21 March 2017 the head of the Israel Defense Forces, [[Gadi Eizenkot]], stated that Badreddine was killed by his own men due to internal rivalries,<ref>{{cite web|author=Judah Ari Gross|work=Times of Israel|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-chief-hezbollah-commander-killed-by-his-own-men-last-year/|title=IDF chief: Hezbollah commander killed by his own men last year|date=21 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/israeli-army-chief-says-hezbollah-leader-killed-by-his-own-men/3775222.html|title=Israeli Army Chief: Hezbollah Leader Killed by His Own Men|publisher=Voice of America|date=21 March 2017}}</ref> and the order to kill Badreddine was given by Hassan Nasrallah.<ref>{{cite news|author=Josef Federman|title=Israeli Army Chef: Hezbollah leader killed by his own men|access-date=22 March 2017|agency=Associated Press|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_SYRIA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-03-21-07-32-01|date=21 March 2017|location=Jerusalem}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=21 March 2017
Line 117: Line 183:
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Hezbollah involvement in the Syrian Civil War]]
* [[Hezbollah involvement in the Syrian Civil War]]
* [[Imad Mughniyeh]]
* [[Mustafa Mughniyeh]]


==References==
==References==
Line 123: Line 191:
==External links==
==External links==
* {{Commons-inline}}
* {{Commons-inline}}
* [http://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1395/02/25/1074610/%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF%DA%AF%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%DB%8C%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D9%88%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%AF Mustafa Badreddine's photos]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:2016 deaths]]
[[Category:2016 deaths]]
[[Category:Assassinated Hezbollah members]]
[[Category:Assassinated Hezbollah members]]
[[Category:Foreign military personnel killed in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Hezbollah involvement in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Lebanese Shia Muslims]]
[[Category:Lebanese Shia Muslims]]
[[Category:Lebanese prisoners sentenced to death]]
[[Category:Lebanese prisoners sentenced to death]]
[[Category:Individuals designated as terrorists by the United States government]]
[[Category:Individuals designated as terrorists by the United States government]]
[[Category:Military personnel killed in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Politicians from Beirut]]
[[Category:Politicians from Beirut]]
[[Category:Prisoners sentenced to death by Kuwait]]
[[Category:Prisoners sentenced to death by Kuwait]]

Latest revision as of 08:31, 3 December 2024

Mustafa Badreddine
Born(1961-04-06)6 April 1961
Al Ghobeiry, Lebanon
Died12 May 2016(2016-05-12) (aged 55)
Damascus International Airport, Syria
Burial placeRawdat Shahidayn, Ghobeiry
CitizenshipLebanese
Years active1983–2016
TitleHezbollah Chief of Staff
PredecessorImad Mughniyeh
SuccessorMustafa Mughnieyeh
Political partyHezbollah
SpouseFatima Hareb
Parents
  • Amine Badreddine (father)
  • Fatima Jezeini (mother)
RelativesImad Mughniyeh (cousin)

Mustafa Badreddine (Arabic: مُصْطَفَىٰ بَدْرِ الدِّينِ, romanized: Muṣṭafā Badr ad-Dīn‎; 6 April 1961 – 12 May 2016; also known by his aliases as Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Mustafa Youssef Badreddine, Sami Issa, and Elias Fouad Saab)[1] was a Lebanese militant leader and both the cousin and brother-in-law of Imad Mughniyeh.[2][3][4] He was nicknamed Dhu al-Fiqar referring to the legendary sword of Ali.[5] His death was seen as one of the biggest blows in the Hezbollah leadership.[6]

Early life

[edit]

Badreddine was born on 6 April 1961 in Al Ghobeiry, a municipality in the Baabda District.[4][5][7] His parents were Amine Badreddine and Fatima Jezeini, who originated from South Lebanon.[1]

Hezbollah

[edit]

Until 1982, Badreddine, like Imad Mughniyeh, was part of Fatah's Force 17, and later, they both joined Hezbollah.[8] Badreddine was among Hezbollah's bomb makers.[9]

Badreddine was also a member of the Shura council for Hezbollah[10] and the head of the unit for overseas operations, Hezbollah's external operations branch.[4][8][11] His aide in this post was Abdul Hadi Hammade, who previously commanded Hezbollah's secret Position 71.[12] Prior to his appointment to this post in 2009, replacing Imad Mughniyah,[13][14] Badreddine served as the commander of Hezbollah's military arm[15] and an advisor to Hezbollah's Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah.[12] Badreddine's appointment as the head of overseas operation was not supported by deputy general secretary of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem.[16] He was also Nasrallah's chief of intelligence.[17]

Ya Libnan reported that he had been behind the bombing of the US Marine Corps barracks in Lebanon in 1983, killing 241 marines.[18]

Following the beginning of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 Badreddine went to Syria as one of the Hezbollah commanders to defend the government of Bashar Assad.[7] He joined the war in 2013.[19] He was fighting with opposition groups in Aleppo's countryside.[20]

Badreddine was behind the successful Al-Otaiba ambush[21] that killed 175-200 Al-Nusra fighters.

Alleged activities

[edit]

1983 Kuwait bombings

[edit]
Main article: 1983 Kuwait bombings

Badreddine entered Kuwait in 1983 on a fake Lebanese passport under the name of Elias Al Saab.[22][23] He was a member of the militant group Islamic Dawa Party.[24][25]

He was arrested in Kuwait together with 17 suspects one month after seven blasts in the country on 13 December 1983, including the truck bombings of the US and French embassies in Kuwait City.[23][26] The attacks left five people dead and 86 injured.[27] However, it is also argued that the use of the group's name in these events was a deception to hide the real perpetrators.[28] In 1985, Badreddine allegedly ordered the assassination of Kuwait emir, but the attempt failed.[29]

As a result of the 16-week trials,[26] he was sentenced to death for masterminding the attacks.[22][30][31] Since his leg had been amputated, he was with a wooden leg in the jail.[23] In the court, Badreddine told the prosecutor that he did not recognize the sovereignty of Kuwait.[23]

In order to force the authorities to release Badreddine and others, Hezbollah members headed by Imad Mughniyeh kidnapped at least four Western citizens in Lebanon.[32][33] Mugniyeh also hijacked a Kuwait Airways Corporation plane in Bangkok in 1988, demanding the release of him and other detainees.[23][34]

Badreddine escaped from the prison in 1990 during the invasion of Kuwait[10][35] or the Iraqis released the imprisoned Badreddine and the others.[26]

Naharnet argues that after that event Badreddine managed to flee to Iran.[4] Later, the Iran's Revolutionary Guard returned him to Beirut.[4]

Hariri assassination

[edit]
Main article: Assassination of Rafic Hariri

In June 2011, Badreddine and other three people were indicted for charges related to the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).[1][36][37] The indictment was unsealed on 29 July 2011.[38]

Badreddine was specifically accused of planning and supervising the assassination by the tribunal.[39] In addition, he was described by the STL as the main planner of the operation.[40] Accusations about him and other three Hezbollah members were based on mobile phone evidence.[41] Hasan Nasrallah threatened the tribunal upon its declaration.[17] Since then, Badreddine and the others disappeared and allegedly fled to Iran.[17] On 1 February 2012, the STL decided to put him to trail in absentia.[1] The trial would begin in March 2013, but it was postponed, and no date was specified.[42] The trial began in January 2014.[43] During the trail. information regarding Hezbollah's assassination squad - Unit 121. A unit that executed a large number of political assassinations in Lebanon.[44][45]

Designation

[edit]

Badreddine and Talal Hamiyah were put on the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the US Treasury Department on 13 September 2012 due to his alleged role as top military commander, replacing Mugniyah who died in 2008.[2][46] The basis for their designation was E.O. 13224 for providing support to Hezbollah's terrorist activities in the Middle East and around the world.[47]

Death

[edit]

On 13 May 2016, it was reported that Badreddine had been killed by an explosion near the Damascus International Airport, the cause and timing of which remained unclear.[20][48][49][50][51] At the funeral, Nasrallah, Secretary General of Hezbollah, said: "they would soon announce conclusions about the perpetrators".[52] His corpse was taken to Ghobeiry, Beirut, where it was buried in Rawdat Shahidayn cemetery on 13 May.[20][48]

Allegations

[edit]

Hezbollah: "Takfiri groups"

[edit]

Al Manar TV announced Badreddin's death stating that he was the target in a huge blast near the airport and that other Hezbollah fighters were wounded. The station added that the Hezbollah did not immediately point a finger at Israel and they would investigate whether the blast was from an airstrike, rocket attack or other cause.[52] Then Hezbollah stated that an attack was launched by "Takfiri groups" and said: "Investigations have showed that the explosion, which targeted one of our bases near Damascus International Airport, and which led to the martyrdom of commander Mustafa Badreddine, was the result of artillery bombardment" carried out by Takfiri groups."[53][54]

This claim is disputed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who said that no artillery fire had been heard in the area in the past three days and announced that "There is no truth about what have been published by Hezbollah about the assassination of its military commander in Syria 'Mustafa Bader' by rebel shells near the international airport of Damascus". Later aerial images of the site where Badreddine was killed were released that showed that the site did not show any artillery damage.[55]

The killing of Badreddine has not been claimed by any of the various jihadist and rebel groups in and around Damascus.[56][57] It is felt extremely unlikely that the Syrian rebels would have had the information and weaponry as the Middle East Eye reported that "the nearest opposition artillery positions … were 20 kilometres away, and there are doubts that their shells could achieve pinpoint accuracy from that distance." to carry out what seems to be a surgical strike as he was killed in a room and "nobody else was hurt.[6] The conclusion: somebody followed him and knew exactly when he would arrive and when he would be in the room."[58] If it was artillery as claimed, it shows that the security breach could only have come from Hezbollah.[6]

Saudi, Israeli sources: Hezbollah with Iranian backing

[edit]

The Saudi-owned Al Arabiya reported that Badreddine was killed by his former bodyguard, a man he trusted completely and one of Hezbollah's top operatives, Ibrahim Hussein Jazini[59] and bodyguard of Hassan Nasrallah, by order of Nasrallah and Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.[55][60] On 21 March 2017 the head of the Israel Defense Forces, Gadi Eizenkot, stated that Badreddine was killed by his own men due to internal rivalries,[61][62] and the order to kill Badreddine was given by Hassan Nasrallah.[63][64] Meanwhile an editorial in Haaretz argued that it was Soleimani who had him assassinated due to a reluctance to maintain fighters in Syria.[65]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Mustafa Amine Badreddine". Special Tribune for Lebanon. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
  2. ^ a b Bill Roggio (14 September 2012). "US adds 2 senior Hezbollah military leaders to terror list". Long War Journal. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
  3. ^ Erich Follath (23 May 2009). "New Evidence Points to Hezbollah in Hariri Murder". Der Spiegel. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
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