An Israeli air strike outside the Syrian capital of Damascus has claimed the life of a senior advisor in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), senior general Razi Moussavi. This has been reported by Iranian state media and by the IRGC itself. Moussavi was reportedly killed during an attack in the Zeinabiyah district which is located in the suburbs of Damascus. Iranian news agency reported that he was among the most experienced advisors of the IRGC in Syria. Furthermore, the IRGC confirmed Moussavi's death in a statement, saying he was killed in a missile attack.

#Breaking

Seyed Razi Mousavi, one of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) senior advisors in #Syria, was killed in an Israeli air strike in #Damascus.

Syed Mousavi was one of oldest advisors of IRGC in Syria & close companions of general Qassem Soleimani. #Gaza_Genocide pic.twitter.com/ALJgckDAtf

— HawkEye (@HawkkEye_) December 25, 2023

The strike comes amid fears that Israel’s military conflict with the Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza could expand into a wider regional conflict, pulling in Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israel has been accused of targeting Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions in Syria since its civil war began in 2011. Iran and Israel have been in conflict for years, with Israel repeatedly stating that it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in Syria. The official Israeli military has yet to comment on the recent attack.