Understanding the Radwan Force: Hezbollah’s most feared elite unit
On Friday, Israel claimed it killed Ibrahim Aqil, the commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, in an airstrike that targeted him alongside other senior leaders in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. This force, considered the spearhead of Hezbollah’s ground and offensive operations, has been a prominent player since tension between the occupation state and Hezbollah began due to the Israeli genocide in Gaza more than 11 months ago.
According to international mediators who have communicated with Lebanese officials, Israel has explicitly demanded the removal of the Radwan Force from its northern borders. Described by sources close to Hezbollah as its most formidable offensive unit, the Radwan Force is known for its expertise in executing cross-border infiltrations and operations against Israeli positions.
Origins and Role of the Radwan Force
The Radwan Force, established after the 2006 Lebanon War, is named after Imad Mughniyeh, a key Hezbollah commander who went by the alias “Hajj Radwan.” Mughniyeh was assassinated in 2008 in Damascus, and the unit’s creation was part of Hezbollah’s broader efforts to enhance its military capabilities following the war. Since its inception, the Radwan Force has evolved into Hezbollah’s most elite fighting unit, gaining a reputation for its proficiency in offensive ground operations and guerilla warfare.
The unit is comprised of battle-hardened fighters, some of whom have combat experience outside Lebanon. Known for operating on the frontlines, Radwan fighters are highly trained in advanced military tactics, including urban warfare and ambushes. They have been instrumental in Hezbollah’s operations along the northern Israeli border, engaging in rocket attacks, anti-tank missile strikes, and drone operations.
Recent Targeted Strikes
The Israeli airstrike that killed Ibrahim Aqil, along with other senior Radwan Force members, is part of an escalating series of precision strikes aimed at Hezbollah’s leadership. In recent months, several high-ranking commanders from Hezbollah’s military structure, including two regional leaders in southern Lebanon, were eliminated in similar operations. These targeted assassinations are believed to be part of Israel’s broader strategy to weaken Hezbollah’s military capacity by eliminating its most experienced and influential commanders.
Israel’s military has expressed concerns over the growing threat posed by the Radwan Force, particularly as tensions between the two sides continue to escalate. The force has been instrumental in Hezbollah’s strategy of establishing a formidable military presence along Israel’s northern frontier, obstructing Israel’s expansionist ambitions.
Capabilities and Tactics
The Radwan Force is known for its advanced training, focusing on high-intensity combat operations. Its members are equipped with modern weaponry, including anti-tank missiles, rocket launchers, and drones. They also excel in electronic warfare, utilizing sophisticated communication and surveillance systems.
What sets the Radwan Force apart from other Hezbollah units is its versatility in combat. Fighters from this unit have been trained to conduct complex operations, including infiltration missions, ambushes, and coordinated assaults on strategic targets. Their experience in urban warfare, gained through battles in Lebanon and Syria, has made them a formidable adversary on the battlefield.
Despite the secrecy surrounding the unit’s internal structure, it is believed to be divided into specialized teams, each tasked with specific missions.
