TEHRAN– A senior military adviser with the Aerospace Division of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has succumbed to injuries sustained during a recent U.S.-led airstrike in Syria, according to an official statement.

In a message released on Thursday, IRGC Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami confirmed the death of Colonel Ahmadreza Afshari, a respected officer and adviser within the IRGC's Aerospace Division.

"Colonel Afshari was martyred as a result of severe injuries incurred during an airstrike by the hostile occupying forces between July 22 and August 5 in Syria," General Salami stated.

After the airstrike, Colonel Afshari was transported back to Iran for urgent medical treatment. Despite the efforts to save his life, he passed away on Thursday, General Salami revealed in his message.

Expressing his sorrow and respect for the fallen officer, General Salami added, "I extend my heartfelt congratulations and condolences on the martyrdom of this honorable soldier. May the Almighty God elevate this dear martyr to the highest ranks and grant him the companionship of the martyrs of Karbala."

Iran's involvement in Syria is part of an advisory mission requested by the Syrian government to assist in combating foreign-backed militants who have waged war against the country's government since 2011.

Military positions within Syria, especially those affiliated with Resistance forces aiding the Syrian army, are frequently targeted by Israel and the United States. These attacks have intensified following Israel's renewed military campaign in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, escalating the ongoing conflict in the region.

At least 40,005 people have been killed and 92,401 wounded in Israeli military attacks on Gaza since October 7, the enclave’s Health Ministry reported.

The UN estimates that 60,000 to 70,000 people have been forced to flee under new Israeli evacuation orders covering the eastern part of the city.

Israel continues to stand accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.