For the first time, Iranian media revealed the identity of Soleimani’s elusive “shadow escort”: Hassan Abolfazl Hassan, also known as “Hajj Younes.”

Tasnim News Agency highlighted his key role in leading Quds Force military operations in Syria, describing his presence on the ground as “central and influential.” The report also confirmed his close ties to Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in early 2020.

Sabrin News, a channel affiliated with the Quds Force propaganda apparatus, reported that Hajj Younes was killed in an Israeli airstrike 11 days ago. No further details were given about the location or circumstances of his death.

The announcement comes after Iran’s military reported last Friday that 56 of its soldiers were killed during the conflict with Israel. The state-run Iranian broadcaster added that Iran declared a national day of mourning the following Saturday.