Prominent Syrian businessman Baraa al-Katerji, known for his close ties to the Assad government, was killed on Monday in an Israeli airstrike near the Lebanese-Syrian border, according to three security sources cited by Reuters. Israel has not yet commented on the incident.

Al-Katerji, alongside his brother Hussam, ascended to power during the Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 following President Bashar al-Assad’s response to widespread protests. Their business ventures, which span oil, logistics, transport, and construction, have made them key figures within the Syrian government’s economic circle.

The Katerji brothers and their associated companies are subject to U.S. sanctions for allegedly supporting the Syrian government through petroleum shipments and financial aid, as stated on the U.S. Treasury’s website.

Since the Hamas attack on Israeli border communities on October 7, Israel has intensified its airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon. This military escalation coincides with ongoing operations in Gaza. Iran-aligned factions, including Lebanese Hezbollah and Shia militias in Syria and Iraq, have also engaged in hostilities against Israel, aiming to divert Israeli military efforts from Gaza.