Israel says targeted Tehran strike killed Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani and Iranian security official Ali Larijani
The Facts
- Israel said it killed Gholamreza Soleimani in an airstrike in/near Tehran.
- Israel described Soleimani as the head/commander of Iran’s Basij, a paramilitary force linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Israel said Soleimani had served as Basij commander for about six years.
- Israel said it targeted Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in an overnight strike in Tehran.
- Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said Ali Larijani was killed in the strike.
- Iran did not immediately confirm Israel’s claim that Larijani was killed.
- Iran did not immediately confirm Israel’s claim that Soleimani was killed.
Context
Who is Gholamreza Soleimani, according to Israel’s account?
Israel identified him as the commander/head of Iran’s Basij, a volunteer paramilitary force linked to the Revolutionary Guard that Israel and other outlets describe as involved in internal security and suppression of protests; Israel said he had led the Basij for six years. NBC News NPR Deutsche Welle
What role does Ali Larijani hold, according to the reports?
Multiple reports describe Ali Larijani as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme (or National) Security Council, a top decision-making body on national security matters. NPR Times of Israel BBC
Have Israel’s claims about Larijani’s death been confirmed by Iran?
As of the reporting in these sources, Iran had not publicly confirmed Larijani’s death, even as Israel said he was targeted and Israel’s defense minister said he was killed. Times of Israel Times of Israel BBC
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Wire services (2)
Independent coverage (50)
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