Why Iran’s Unit 840 become Israel’s prime target in shadow war

Israeli intelligence agencies have revealed details of a sustained campaign against “Unit 840,” described as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s (IRGC) special operations arm responsible for orchestrating attacks against Israelis and Jewish targets both domestically and abroad.

The unit, led by Es’hār Bākeri and his deputy Mohammad Reza Anzari, operates under direct supervision from Tehran, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Its mission includes directing remote cells to carry out terror attacks, smuggling advanced weaponry, and undermining regional stability.

Weapons smuggling attempts

On March 25, 2024, Israeli Military Intelligence (AMAN) and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) foiled an attempt by Unit 840 operatives to smuggle Iranian-made arms into the West Bank, including rockets, anti-tank mines, RPG launchers, and explosive devices, intended for terrorist attacks against civilians and military targets.

Hours later, the Israeli Air Force struck Syrian bases in the eastern part of the country used by the unit to facilitate weapons transfers to other terror groups. In November 2024, another shipment of prohibited arms, including high-powered explosives and mortars bound for Jenin, was intercepted — again linked to Unit 840 commanders.

Operatives caught in the field

Following months of surveillance, Israeli forces captured two field operatives in Syria, Zidan Altweil and Mohammad Al-Kharyan, in April and May 2025. Their apprehension provided intelligence agencies with significant insight into the unit’s operations and planned attacks against Israeli forces.

Targeted strikes against leaders

On July 3, 2025, the Israeli Air Force killed Lebanese operative Qassem Salah Al-Husseini in southern Beirut. Al-Husseini was responsible for planning attacks and smuggling arms into the West Bank, and coordinating with Syrian and Lebanese contacts to recruit and train operatives.

Shortly after, Mohammad Shaib, Al-Husseini’s principal lieutenant in Lebanon, was eliminated near Al-Namiriyah in southern Lebanon. Shaib had played a key role in the supply chain of weapons from Iran to Israel’s northern border and in recruiting new members for Unit 840.

Regional implications

Israeli intelligence says Unit 840’s operations from northern Israel’s borders are designed to provoke instability between neighbouring states, disrupt ceasefire agreements in Lebanon, and target Israeli forces operating in southern Syria.

Investigations reveal that many recruits were unaware of the unit’s true objectives, drawn in through financial incentives and exploitation of vulnerable communities in Syria and Lebanon.

Israeli officials stress continued vigilance, warning civilians to remain cautious when offered suspicious financial deals or recruitment opportunities.

“Next time you encounter a dubious offer promising an unrealistically large sum, ask yourself — who are you really working for?” the report concludes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev