Iran Reorganizes Elite Assassination Unit Amid Secrecy Breach
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Iran's Quds Force commander, Esmail Ghaani, has reorganized the unit responsible for overseas assassinations, rebranding it from "Unit 840" to "Unit 600" following security breaches. Mojtaba Haq-Lasan was appointed as the new commander, replacing Haj Asghar Bakri, who was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike. The unit is known for targeting Israeli interests and dissidents abroad. This reorganization occurs amid international condemnation of Iran's "lethal activities" and increased regional tensions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Iran's Quds Force has reorganized its elite assassination unit, formerly "Unit 840," into "Unit 600."
- Mojtaba Haq-Lasan was appointed as the new commander of the rebranded unit.
- The reorganization follows the exposure of the unit's structure and operatives' identities.
- The previous commander, Haj Asghar Bakri, was reportedly killed in an April 6th strike attributed to Israel.
- The unit is known for targeting Israeli interests and dissidents globally.
- This move occurs amid international concern over Iran's "lethal activities" and attacks across Europe.
Esmail Ghaani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, has initiated structural changes within the unit responsible for overseas assassinations and attacks, according to Iran International. The unit, formerly known as "Unit 840," has been rebranded as "Unit 600." This reorganization follows significant breaches in the unit's secrecy, which led to the exposure of its organizational structure and some operatives' identities in recent years.
Mojtaba Haq-Lasan, previously the head of the unit's internal intelligence apparatus, has been appointed as the new commander. The unit had been operating without official leadership since its previous commander, Haj Asghar Bakri, was reportedly killed in an April 6th strike attributed to Israel. Western intelligence agencies recognize this unit as central to assassination attempts against Israeli targets globally, as well as plots against opposition figures, journalists, and former U.S. officials.
This move comes amid broader international concern over Iran's "lethal activities." In June, 22 countries united against Tehran's security forces, citing a wave of attacks across Europe claimed by the pro-Iranian group "Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba." These operations reportedly include not only assassinations but also kidnappings, harassment, and threats, alarming Western intelligence agencies.
Ghaani, who has led the Quds Force since January 2020, has been less visible publicly since the war began. In a rare June interview, he issued a stern warning to Israel and the United States against confronting the "resistance front." He also commented on the Beirut airstrike and the U.S. response, interpreting it as a sign of weakness.
The Quds Force has long served as a critical logistical, financial, and military conduit for Iran-aligned terror organizations throughout the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria.