Israel's military says a colonel-rank deputy division commander was moderately wounded along with three other soldiers and a female soldier by an explosive device while the force was operating on the ground in the Litani area of southern Lebanon. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon, the IDF states, marking the second explosive-device attack on Israeli forces in the area within hours.
The deputy commander of the IDF's 36th Division, a colonel, was moderately wounded Wednesday afternoon at approximately 17:00 by an explosive device while leading a foot patrol in the Litani area of southern Lebanon, according to an IDF statement. Three other soldiers and a female soldier were also moderately wounded in the blast. A preliminary military investigation indicates the device was likely planted by Hezbollah. In response, IDF artillery struck terrorist infrastructure in the area.
The incident is the second of its kind in the Litani area on Wednesday. Hours earlier, Staff Sgt. (res.) Alexander Filin, 29, of Haifa, was killed and seven other soldiers — including a colonel — were wounded in a similar explosion. The IDF has not named the deputy commander or provided additional details on his condition.
The 36th Division has been operating in southern Lebanon as part of ongoing Israeli ground activity north of the border, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure south of the Litani River. The close timing of the two incidents underscores the persistent threat from planted ordnance and ambushes by remaining Hezbollah cells in the area.
5 developments
- StrongIDF: Lebanese soldier killed by Hezbollah explosive, forces not in the area
- StrongIDF says one soldier killed, seven wounded by Hezbollah IED in southern Lebanon; Filin named, injuries detailed
- ConfirmedIDF soldier killed in clash with Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon
- DevelopingTwo IDF Soldiers Killed, Four Wounded in Southern Lebanon Incidents
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