Prominent Syrian pro-regime businessman Baraa Katerji was killed in an alleged Israeli air strike near the Lebanese-Syrian border on Monday, three security sources told Reuters.
Earlier on Monday, according to Israeli media, citing Lebanese and Syrian reports, a vehicle was targeted in a strike on the Lebanese-Syrian border.
A Hezbollah commander was killed in the strike, according to Israeli media, citing Arab reports.
The vehicle was on the Syrian side of the border at the time of the attack.
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Who was Katerji?
Katerji was part of a small circle of businessmen close to the ruling Assad family who rose to prominence during the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 after the government of President Bashar al-Assad cracked down on popular protests.
Along with his brother Hussam, Katerji built a business empire associated with oil, logistics, transport and construction.
The brothers and their businesses are under US sanctions, including for “facilitating petroleum shipments and financing to the Syrian Regime,” according to the US Treasury website.
This is a developing story.
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