IDF eliminates Hezbollah’s “Southern Front” commander in Beirut PHOTO

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) eliminated the commander of Hezbollah’s “Southern Front” in Beirut, according to the IDF's press service.

“Yesterday (Tuesday), March 31, 2026, the Israeli Navy, directed by the Intelligence Directorate and Northern Command, conducted a strike in Beirut and eliminated Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front.

The “Southern Front” is the unit within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation responsible for carrying out terrorist activities targeting Israeli civilians and for combat operations against IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon. As commander of the unit, Hashem advanced and led the rehabilitation of Hezbollah, and commanded the rocket launches and hostile aerial attacks toward Israeli territory.

Hashem, a senior commander with over 40 years of experience and a central figure in the terrorist organisation, began the role of Southern Front commander following the elimination of Ali Karaki, alongside Hassan Nasrallah, during Operation Northern Arrows. 

Over the years, he was responsible for the 'Nasser', 'Aziz', and 'Badr' units—units responsible for combat against IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon and launching rockets toward the State of Israel.

For years, and particularly in recent times, Hashem led and advanced thousands of terror attack plans against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers,” the army said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada