Israeli Drone Strike Kills US-Sanctioned Syrian Businessman Near Lebanon-Syria Border

Mohammed Baraa Katerji, linked to Assad and Iran-backed groups, targeted in rare attack on government-affiliated figure.

Katerji was hit while traveling in a car near Saboura, inside Syria after crossing from Lebanon.
The businessman was sanctioned by the US for trading oil with ISIS and facilitating weapons shipments.
Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria but seldom targets government-affiliated individuals.
The strike occurs amid ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah since October.
Katerji's company was involved in transporting weapons and commodities under the guise of food shipments.