Israel has allegedly assassinated Midhat Saleh, an ex-member of Syrian parliament who previously served 12 years in Israeli prison, in the Golan Heights on Saturday, according to reports in Syria.
The assassination reportedly took place in the Syrian village of Ain al-Tinah, overlooking Majdal Shams on the Israeli side of the border, according to Syrian state media. The report added Midhat was killed by gunfire, though it wasn’t clear if he was shot from across the border or from an aircraft.
Locals also reported a heavy presence of helicopters and UAVs in Majdal Shams on Saturday.
Midhat Saleh, who is 54-years-old, left for Syria a year after he was released from a 12-year stint in Israeli prison in 1998. He served as a member of parliament until 2005, after which he was later appointed to the Golan Height’s portfolio by Bashar Assad.
Midhat Saleh, an ex-member of Syrian parliament, allegedly assassinated by Israel
Saleh was a well-known figure in the Golan Heights. Israel considered Saleh an important intelligence asset on the Golan Heights, and any person that met with him before returning to Israel was questioned on suspicion of contact with a foreign agent. His associates claim he was targeted for assassination in the past as well.
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It has also been reported that Saleh built a house overlooking Majdal Shams and returned to live in the area after the Syrian army regained control over the Syrian side of the Golan Heights.
This is a developing story.
