Hezbollah intelligence chief assassinated in Syria

(1962-2008)

Killed in a car bomb in Damascus on 12 February. Possible suspects - CIA, Mossad

The killing of Imad Mughniye in Damascus, what ever is the context and whom ever are the executors, is a benchmark in the war between the Iranian Terror networks and their enemies. Mughniye has led the Iranian and Hezbollah operations against US personnel since 1983 and was the top planner in the Hezbollah-Israel war. He was seen as the principal link between the Pasdaran (Iranian Revolutionary Guard) power and its supported organizations around the world including Hezbollah in Lebanon and overseas. But as important, was his role in coordinating the Iranian Terror activities with Syria's intelligence services. His elimination has mostly a symbolical effect on the secret war between Western intelligence and the axis' secret apparatus. In intelligence lingo, he was the top Terror operations general, not only central to Lebanon's activities but also to training Hezbollah's "international" action, including Iraq, Gaza and the West. The impact of such an event is seen clearly in the statements made by the leadership of Hezbollah and the potential actions the group may take.

Some other incidents he was involved in and some facts:

The 1983 bombings of the US Embassy and US Marine and French paratrooper barracks in Beirut, which killed more than 350 people

The 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires

The kidnapping of Westerners in Lebanon during the 1980s, and a series of other high-profile operations.

Mugniyah is also reported to have met with members of al-Qaeda’s senior leadership, including Osama bin Laden, and is believed to have played a role in the terrorist group’s technical development.

Interpol recently put out an international warrant for him for his alleged role in the Buenos Aires attack

The United States indicted him for his role in planning and participating in the June 14, 1985, hijacking of an American commercial airliner and the killing of US Navy diver who was aboard the flight.

Before Osama came along, Imad was responsible for the majoirty of US terror related fatalities overseas. (not including Iraq)

Response?

Hezbollah are believed to be planning a response to the killing of Imad. This may take a number of forms...a strongly worded condemnation is unlikely....a cross border incursion into Israel is also not on the cards for now. A terror attack against a Jewish target, either in Israel or elsehwere is the most plausable response. His deep connection to Osama bin Laden may also lead to retaliatory attacks. Bottom line, expect an attack, probably against a high value target, soon. See below from wiki:

"On February 16, 1992, Israeli helicopters attacked a motorcade in southern Lebanon, killing Musawi, his wife, son, and four others. Israel said the attack had been planned as an assassination attempt. In retaliation, a shadowy group called "Islamic Jihad - led by Imad- " carried out the Israeli Embassy attack in Buenos Aires. Musawi was succeeded as secretary-general of Hezbollah by Hassan Nasrallah."

More links:

FBI's most wanted
http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/termugniyah.htm