Mohammad Abdullah, head of the Iranian-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organization, was killed during an airstrike by Israel on the central West Bank, The Times of Israel reported. 

Abdullah was believed to have organized many terrorist acts in the region, including deploying bombs and other explosives against Israeli troops. He was also allegedly responsible for planning many of the organization’s activities and “many attacks.” He became head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad branch in the Tulkarem area after his predecessor, Muhhamad Jabber, was killed during a military operation in August, IDF said. 

Abdullah’s death was the result of a joint operation between the IDF and Shin Bet, The Jerusalem Post reported. 

The PIL is considered to be an ally of Hamas. Both terrorist organizations have been involved in the military conflict against Israeli military forces since the Oct. 7 attacks, according to reports.

IDF reported that another unidentified terrorist was killed during the operation, and its military seized various weapons and flack jackets that were found on Abdullah and the unidentified terrorist.

Other defense initiatives continued on Friday morning as multiple incidents of drones and rocket attacks were reported throughout Israel. IDF claimed it successfully shot down a drone that crossed over into the country near Ashkelon. No injuries were reported, and no group has claimed responsibility so far for the attack, according to reports. 

This attack came just a few hours after another drone attack that was reportedly launched out of Iraq by an Iran-backed militia toward the city of Eilat. This threat was also eliminated as Israeli forces shot down this drone before causing any harm, IDF said.