Hussein al-Khalil
Hussein al-Khalil | |
|---|---|
| Born | Hussein al-Khalil 1955 |
| Died | June 21, 2025 |
Hussein al-Khalil (Arabic: حسين الخليل; born 1955 in Burj al-Barajneh- 21 June, 2025) also known as Abu Ali Jawad, was a senior political figure and advisor within Hezbollah and member of the supreme Shura Council.[1][2] He became one of Hezbollah's earliest members upon its emergence in 1982. He was one of the closest aides to Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, and plays a critical role in the organization's political strategy and negotiations.[3] On June 21, 2025 he was killed by an Israeli airastrike in Tehran.[2]
Military career
Al-Khalil began his career in Musa al-Sadr’s Amal Movement. However, after the Imam’s disappearance in 1978 and Nabih Berri’s subsequent assumption of the party’s leadership, al-Khalil broke away from the party along with other members including Hassan Nasrallah and Abbas al-Musawi to found Islamic Amal.[1]
He initially rose to prominence in Hezbollah as one of the organization's main leaders in the Beqaa Valley, maintaining a senior role in Hezbollah's command structure. During the mid- to late 1980s, he played a significant role in establishing Hezbollah's security apparatus and served as the operational coordinator for its military units. From 1989 to 1990, al-Khalil headed the organization's Politburo, now known as the Political Council.[1][4]
Political career
In July 1995, al-Khalil was appointed political advisor to Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, a role he has held since, significantly shaping Hezbollah's domestic and regional strategies. As a key member of the political bureau, he actively participates in high-level discussions and decisions that influence the group's activities and policies.[3][5] Al-Khalil has also played a critical role within Hezbollah's Central Security Apparatus, serving as the primary liaison between the organization's security and intelligence branches and coordinating closely with Iranian intelligence.[1][4]
An investigation by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) alleged al-Khalil's involvement in the 2008 assassination of Lebanese Internal Security Forces Captain Wissam Eid and in Hezbollah's secret activities.[1][4]
Khalil's position within Hezbollah includes acting as a mediator and negotiator on behalf of Hezbollah in dealings with other Lebanese political parties and factions along with international entities.[1][3] He has notably managed Hezbollah's alliance with the Amal Movement and the Free Patriotic Movement.[3] Khalil was considered a close confidant of Hassan Nasrallah until Nasrallah's death.[3]
Death
According to reports, Al-Khalil was killed in Tehran by an Israeli airstrike.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Hussein al-Khalil | Hezbollah". hezbollah.org. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
- ^ a b c "Qassam Chief of Staff praises Houthi leadership for heroic stance". Roya News. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ a b c d e "Husayn Al - Khalil". GFATF | Global Fight Against Terrorism Funding | Live and Let Live. 2018-05-23. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
- ^ a b c "Unit 910: Hezbollah´s Covert Action Unit". Grey Dynamics. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
- ^ "Sayyed Nasrallah's Advisor Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Details of 2006 July War". Al-Manar TV Lebanon. Retrieved 2025-01-22.