Columbus Standard

U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN) released a statement in response to the death of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil. Aqil was wanted for his connection to the 1983 bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, and the earlier bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut that same year.

“Ibrahim Aqil was a leader in one of the most lethal days for the United States Marine Corps since World War II, stealing the futures of 241 dedicated service members,” Congressman Pence said. “Their sacrifice was the ultimate tragedy, and every day, I think about those whose lives were cruelly taken from us in the attack. This moment is another step closer to justice. To my fallen comrades and their families, I say Semper Fi.”

Congressman Pence served in the Marine Corps from 1979-1983, with his battalion stationed in Beirut in 1983, shipping out days before the bombings. He has introduced a resolution to recognize the anniversary of the attack every year.

Aqil is the second Hezbollah commander killed in recent months associated with the Beirut bombings.