Iran announces the killing of Qasem Soleimani's 'Shadow Companion' and reveals his identity for the first time

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the killing of Hassan Abu al-Fadl Hassan, known as 'Haj Younis,' the prominent companion of former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, during the recent war with Israel.

Iranian media, for the first time, revealed the identity of Soleimani's 'Shadow Companion,' with Tasnim Agency indicating that Hassan Abu al-Fadl played a prominent role in leading military operations for the Quds Force in Syria, describing his field presence as 'central and influential'.

They also confirmed the close relationship he had with the former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike at the beginning of 2020.

Furthermore, Sabereen News, affiliated with the Quds Force's propaganda and media apparatus, reported that 'Haj Younis' was killed in an Israeli airstrike 11 days ago, without specifying details about the location or circumstances of his death.

This announcement comes after the Iranian army announced last Friday the killing of 56 of its members during clashes with Israel, according to Mehr News Agency, while the Iranian Radio and Television Corporation declared a national day of mourning the following Saturday for the martyrs.

It is worth noting that Israel launched a wide-ranging attack on Iran on the morning of Friday, June 13, resulting in the deaths of several senior military leaders, scientists, and civilians.

In response, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22.

The war lasted for 12 days, during which Israel targeted over 20 high-ranking military officials, some of whom were killed inside their homes, leading to escalating tensions in the region.