Hezbollah Explosive Device Hits Israeli Patrol Near Litani River
JERUSALEM: An Israeli reserve soldier was killed and at least seven others were wounded after an explosive device detonated near an Israeli military patrol operating in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military announced on Thursday.
According to the military, Sergeant First Class (res.) Alexander Filin, 29, from Haifa, was killed during combat operations near the Litani River on Wednesday evening. Filin served as a combat soldier attached to the command post of the 36th Division.
The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. when soldiers from the 36th Division and the Givati Brigade were conducting a foot patrol in the area. During the operation, an explosive device believed to have been planted by Hezbollah detonated near the force.
The military said the blast wounded several personnel, including a senior officer from the 36th Division and a reserve battalion commander. Both sustained moderate injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment. Additional soldiers suffered light wounds during the attack.
Following the explosion, Israeli forces responded by targeting suspected militant infrastructure in the area with artillery fire. Military officials said an investigation into the circumstances of the incident remains ongoing.
Separate Drone Attacks Leave Additional Soldiers Injured
Meanwhile, in a separate development, two explosive drones launched by Hezbollah wounded five Israeli soldiers during operations in southern Lebanon earlier this week.
According to military officials, the first drone exploded near a Givati Brigade tank, causing shrapnel injuries to four soldiers. Shortly afterward, a second drone struck the area, wounding another soldier.
One of the injured soldiers was reported to be in serious condition, while two sustained moderate injuries and two others suffered minor wounds.
Subsequently, Israeli forces launched artillery strikes against what the military described as militant infrastructure linked to the attacks.
The incidents highlight continuing security tensions along the Lebanon-Israel frontier despite ongoing regional diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities.
