How Did IDF Strike a Major Blow to Hezbollah's Funding Operations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- IDF eliminates key Hezbollah financier Haytham Abdullah Bakri.
- Bakri's currency exchange was crucial for transferring funds from Iran.
- Funds were used for various military purposes, including arms purchases.
- Two recent assassinations severely disrupt Hezbollah's funding channels.
- Expert analysis indicates a strategic setback for Iranian support to Hezbollah.
Tel Aviv, June 25 (NationPress) - The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday the elimination of Haytham Abdullah Bakri, the leader of the 'Al-Sadiq' Currency Exchange, located in South Lebanon.
'Haytham Abdullah Bakri, who collaborated with Hezbollah to facilitate financial transfers for terrorist operations, was neutralized by the IDF in southern Lebanon,' the IDF shared on X.
The IDF clarified that this currency exchange serves as a financial hub for Hezbollah, channeling funds originating from the Iranian Quds Force.
'These funds are utilized by Hezbollah for military initiatives, including the acquisition of weapons, production of military resources, and compensating operatives, ultimately fueling their ongoing terrorist activities,' stated the IDF.
The IDF elaborated that Bakri knowingly collaborated with Hezbollah, facilitating funding for military purposes, which included purchasing arms, manufacturing capabilities, and paying salaries to operatives.
Last week, the IDF also targeted and eliminated Behanam Shahriari, the commander of Unit 190 of the Iranian Quds Force.
Shahriari was killed in a precise strike on his vehicle while traveling through western Iran.
According to the IDF, Shahriari was responsible for managing the flow of hundreds of millions of dollars annually, which were funneled to the Quds Force and its units.
Moreover, he oversaw the channels for transferring finances from the Quds Force to Hezbollah, utilizing exchanges in Turkey, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in conjunction with Lebanese exchanges. He worked closely with both Hezbollah and Hamas to supply weapons, rockets, and missiles used against Israel.
Experts believe that these two significant assassinations represent a critical setback for Iranian funding avenues supporting Hezbollah.