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On October 14-16, 2024, the Lebanese Hizbullah-affiliated news website Al-Khanadiq published two articles containing “exclusive information” about Hizbullah’s rehabilitation of its military infrastructure, as well as its management of the fighting against Israel.According to the website: Hizbullah has rehabilitated its chain of command and has replaced officials killed by Israel; Hizbullah has 80% of its military capabilities remaining, and it continues to receive supplies from Iran; it has tens of thousands of missiles, including precision missiles, hypersonic missiles, and anti-ship missiles; it can strike any target in Israel; and it is preparing for a long war of attrition against Israel.
Below are the main points published by Al-Khanadiq on October 14-16, 2024.
Hizbullah Has Rehabilitated Its Chain Of Command
According to Al-Khanadiq, early on in the war Hizbullah implemented a ready-made plan to protect its military officials and its continuity of operations, including by means of appointing replacements for officials killed by Israel. This process of appointments was reportedly achieved “in record time,” completing the rehabilitation of Hizbullah’s chain of command, and the group has also reportedly established a new headquarters that is managing the war against Israel.
The website cited a Hizbullah “field officer” as having listed the positions recently filled by the group, listing only the initials of the new officials:
- The “martyr commander” Hajj Taleb Abdallah “Abu Taleb,” the commander of the “Nasr” Unit, has been replaced by “Hajj ‘A. Sh.”
- Muhammad Nimah Naser, known as “Hajj Abu Nimah,” the commander of the “Aziz” Unit, has been replaced by “Hajj D. ‘A.”
- Hizbullah military chief Fuad Shukr, known as “Hajj Mohsen,” has been replaced by “A. T.”
- Hajj Ibrahim Aqil, also known as “Hajj Abd AlQader,” the commander of Hizbullah’s elite Radwan Unit, has been replaced by “Hajj H. Y.”
- The “martyr commander” Hajj Ali Karaki has been replaced by “Hajj ‘A. H.”
Most of Hizbullah’s Military Capabilities Are Still Whole, Weapons Supplies From Iran Continue
The same Hizbullah “field officer” told Al-Khanadiq that despite the efforts of Israel’s intelligence agencies, their coordination with Western intelligence agencies, and Israeli airstrikes over the past year, Israel has only destroyed 20% of Hizbullah’s military capabilities and of its ballistic missile, precision missile, and drone stockpiles. He said that Israel’s attempts to cut off Hizbullah from its supply lines from Iran have failed, and these supplies have continued unhindered, including during the current conflict. In addition, he said that Hizbullah still has tens of thousands of Fateh-110, Scud, Zilzal, Fajr, and Khaybar missiles, as well as hypersonic missiles, “Noor” long-range anti-ship cruise missiles, and “Yakhnout” anti-ship cruise missiles – which he said can strike any target in Israel. He added that Hizbullah can make these missiles “rain down” for at least an entire year.
Hizbullah Is Preparing For A Long War Of Attrition Against Israel
In addition, the website cites a “military expert” as having said that the resistance is preparing for a long war of attrition during which it will use its ballistic missiles “in accordance with pre-made scenarios.” He said that these missiles will have a significant impact on the outcome of the war and the ending of the Israeli “aggression” against Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
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