The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

The IDF conducted the airstrike via fighter jets on Friday afternoon, which attacked the militant group’s “central headquarters … embedded under a residential building” located at the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. Nasrallah “has joined his fellow martyrs,” Hezbollah confirmed.

Nasrallah led Hezbollah through 30 years, and in that time, had only ever delivered taped speeches for fear of assassination. He set into motion threats made against Israel and the US’ presence in Lebanon, which has been its stronghold for many years.

The passing of one of the most influential personalities in the Middle East has left a vacuum in the leadership of what may be the “most potent non-state force in the world,” security respondent for the BBC Frank Gardner describes Hezbollah.