Top Hezbollah commander killed fighting IS in Syria

Ali Al-Hadi Al-Ashiq, who also fought against Israel, was one of first Hezbollah commanders sent to fight in Syria civil war

By AP 4 October 2017, 12:47 pm

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In this March 1, 2017 frame grab from video provided by the government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between Government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria. (Syrian Central Military Media, via AP)

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanon’s terror group Hezbollah says one of its top commanders has been killed while fighting Islamic State militants in Syria.

The 44-year-old Ali Al-Hadi Al-Ashiq is the latest fatality for the Shiite group that has fought alongside Syrian government forces in the civil war next door since 2012.

Hezbollah said on Wednesday that he was killed fighting IS in the central desert of Palmyra on Monday.

Hezbollah sent thousands of fighters to Syria, helping government forces in major battlefields victories against armed opposition and Islamic militants.

More than 1,000 Hezbollah fighters have been killed there.

Al-Ashiq, also known by his nickname Alhaj Abbas, was among the first Hezbollah commanders sent to Syria and he took part in the key battle in al-Qusair, near the Lebanese border.

He also fought against Israel.