Haniyeh Assassinated by Short-range Projectile: IRGC

Tehran, MINA – The assassination of Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh was “designed and executed” by Israel with support from the US, using a short-range projectile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

In a statement, the IRGC called the assassination a “terrorist crime” and vowed “severe punishment.”

Haniyeh was assassinated early Wednesday at his residence in the capital Tehran in a mysterious attack that Iranian officials blamed on their arch-foe Israel. Haniyeh’s bodyguard was also killed.

Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

Also Read: Hungary Announces Withdrawal from ICC Amid Netanyahu’s Visit

Haniyeh’s funeral was led by Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday morning, followed by a massive procession. He was laid to rest on Friday in Doha, Qatar.

The IRGC said investigations found that the “terrorist operation” involved the firing of a short-range projectile with a warhead weighing some 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds), accompanied by a large explosion, from outside the place where Haniyeh was staying.

The statement added that the blood of Haniyeh “will be avenged” and Israel will receive a “decisive response at the appropriate time, place, and manner.”

Tensions are running high amid speculation that Iran is preparing a military response to Haniyeh’s assassination that is bigger in scope than the operation that followed an attack on the Iranian Consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus in April.

Also Read: Columbia University Students Protest by Chaining Themselves, Demand Immediate Release of Khalil

In his reaction to the incident on Wednesday, Khamenei said Iran considers it a duty to “avenge the eminent guest’s blood,” vowing “severe punishment.”

Pezeshkian also condemned the assassination, pledging to “defend the country’s territorial integrity, honor and dignity. (T/RE1/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

Also Read: Netanyahu Visits Hungary Despite ICC Arrest Warrant