An Israeli airstrike in Jeb Jannine in the Beqaa Valley killed Mohammad Dahrouj, a senior figure in the Sunni Islamist group Jama’a Islamiya on Sunday.
The strike also claimed the lives of his wife, Diana Atef al-Desouki, and her young child.
This is the first Israeli strike in Jeb Jannine since the onset of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Who Is Jama’a Islamiya?
Jama’a Islamiya, the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, has a long-standing presence in Lebanon and has both political and military roles.
In October 2024, following the launch of “Al Aqsa Flood,” Jama’a Islamiya reactivated its armed wing, the “Al-Fajr Forces,” joining Hezbollah in attacks against Israel, primarily through rocket fire.
Raid israélien à Jeb Jannine: un responsable de la Jamaa Islamiyya tué pic.twitter.com/YTDR1ZDx76
— Ici Beyrouth (@Icibeyrouthnews) September 29, 2024
Mohammad Dahrouj’s Role in Jama’a Islamiya
Mohammad Dahrouj was a key figure in Jama’a Islamiya, overseeing military operations including the coordination of rocket attacks against Israel.
His dual role as a military and political leader made him a central figure in the Sunni Islamist movement.
Israel’s strike on Dahrouj was part of its broader strategy to neutralize the leadership of groups involved in military operations against its territory.
Jama’a Islamiya’s increased military actions, with Dahrouj at the helm, led Israel to focus on disrupting the leadership structure of such groups. This approach aims to weaken their ability to coordinate further attacks.
