Fact Check: "Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed on June 13, 2023, that its aerospace commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, was killed in an Israeli air strike on a command facility."
What We Know
On June 13, 2023, multiple reports emerged stating that Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was confirmed dead following an Israeli airstrike. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Hajizadeh was killed in a targeted operation aimed at an underground command facility used by the IRGC, which was reportedly involved in Iran's missile program and drone operations (source-5, source-7). This event is part of a broader escalation of military actions between Israel and Iran, with the IDF confirming the elimination of several high-ranking Iranian military officials during this operation (source-1, source-8).
Analysis
The claim that Hajizadeh was confirmed dead by the IRGC is supported by credible sources, including the IDF and major news outlets like CNN and The Times of Israel. These sources reported on the airstrike and the subsequent confirmation of Hajizadeh's death by the IDF, which is a reliable military source (source-5, source-8).
However, the claim's accuracy hinges on the interpretation of "confirmation" by the IRGC itself. While the IDF's announcement and subsequent reports from various news agencies confirm the event, the IRGC's own statements regarding Hajizadeh's death have not been explicitly cited in the available sources. This raises questions about the direct confirmation from the IRGC, as the reports primarily focus on the IDF's claims and the broader implications of the strike on Iran's military structure (source-4).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is generally high, as they include established news organizations and military confirmations. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in the context of military conflicts where narratives can be shaped by national interests.
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed on June 13, 2023, that its aerospace commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, was killed in an Israeli air strike on a command facility" is False. While the IDF and multiple reputable news sources report Hajizadeh's death, there is no direct confirmation from the IRGC itself in the available evidence. The narrative primarily relies on the IDF's statements and interpretations of the events, rather than a clear acknowledgment from the IRGC.
Sources
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