The recent Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs resulted in the death of Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollah’s elite military unit, the Radwan force. This specialized unit gained notoriety for its pivotal role in the abduction of two Israeli soldiers in July 2006, an event that sparked " the July War ".
Originally known as the intervention unit, it was later renamed in honor of Imad Mughniyeh, the Hezbollah chief of staff who orchestrated the abduction. Following Mughniyeh’s assassination in February 2008, the unit was rechristened with his operational alias, “Hajj Radwan.” The Radwan force stands as the linchpin of Hezbollah’s arsenal, boasting sophisticated weaponry and highly trained members.
Estimates put their manpower at 2,500 fighters per Israeli sources and 10,000 per Hezbollah estimates. Trained under the supervision of Iran’s Quds Force, these operatives gained invaluable experience on the Syrian battlefield while supporting President Bashar al-Assad.
According to the Alma Research and Education Center, the Radwan unit’s different divisions are subdivided into multiple smaller units or squads, typically consisting of 7-10 operatives based in specific geographic regions. The Shiite communities in various locations, particularly in southern Lebanon, serve as vital logistical hubs for these squads. These units are stationed in warehouses within villages and military zones nearby, storing ammunition and essential supplies for immediate use. This setup allows the Radwan force squads to function autonomously, without constant directives or external logistical support. Squad leaders are granted significant autonomy to swiftly make tactical decisions on the ground.
Their primary operational focus remains in southern Lebanon, defending their territory against potential Israeli offensives.
Since October 8, Wissam Tawil , commander of the unit was killed on January 8, 2024. Nine other regional commanders including Abbas Raad, son of Hezbollah MP Mohamad Raad, have also been killed since the beginning of the war on october 8.
