JERUSALEM (VINnews)-The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (ISA, also known as Shin Bet) announced Tuesday that they eliminated Younes Mohammed Hussein Alian, the commander of Hamas’ Northern Gaza Brigade in the Naval Array, in a targeted strike the previous day.

According to a joint statement, Alian was responsible for operating the brigade’s naval forces, advancing its force buildup, overseeing terrorist training and preparation, and managing the readiness of its weaponry.

In recent weeks, he had been working to rehabilitate the brigade’s capabilities in the Gaza Strip and was planning imminent terror attacks, the IDF said.

“He was targeted due to posing a real threat to IDF troops,” the statement noted. Prior to the strike, measures were taken to mitigate risks to civilians, including the use of precision munitions and aerial surveillance.

The IDF emphasized that troops in the Southern Command remain deployed in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue operations to neutralize any immediate threats.