Reports indicate that Wafiq Safa, Hezbollah's head of coordination and liaison, was targeted by an airstrike on Thursday evening in the Noueiri district of central Beirut, according to Israeli sources. However, confirmation of his death remains unverified. Local Lebanese sources suggest that he survived the attack, leaving his fate still uncertain.
Born in 1960 in the village of Zabdine, near Nabatieh, Safa has long been an influential member of Hezbollah. As the brother-in-law of Hassan Nasrallah, he occupies a unique position within the pro-Iranian formation, blending familial ties with strategic leadership.
Though often discreet, Safa is recognized for his significant role in the organization's security and logistical operations. Frequently referred to as the “Minister of Defense,” he has been instrumental in managing interactions with Lebanese security forces and other governmental entities, navigating a complex political landscape.
Safa's responsibilities extend to overseeing Lebanese ports and border crossings, facilitating the movement of Hezbollah personnel. His close ties with customs officials at Beirut airport highlight his importance in the organization’s operations and logistics.
In 2019, the US Treasury Department placed him on its sanctions list, accusing him of exploiting Lebanon’s ports and border crossings to smuggle goods and facilitate travel on behalf of Hezbollah. The agency further claimed that his actions compromised “the safety and security of the Lebanese people” while draining valuable import duties and revenues from the Lebanese government.
As the situation unfolds, the potential impact of these recent events on Hezbollah and the broader geopolitical landscape remains to be seen.
Comments