Deadly clashes in southern Lebanon: Four Israeli soldiers killed

Israeli media reports deadly close-range confrontations with Hezbollah, involving airstrikes, tanks, and anti-tank fire during evacuation efforts

Annahar

Deadly clashes in southern Lebanon: Four Israeli soldiers killed

Israeli military build-ups on the border with Lebanon (AFP).

“Israeli Army Radio” revealed details about the recent clashes between the Israeli army and “Hezbollah” in southern Lebanon on Monday, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers, including an officer, and six additional injuries.

According to the Israeli account, “Forces from the Nachshon reconnaissance unit advanced in southern Lebanon yesterday evening as part of a plan to control areas and establish a field perimeter inside Lebanese territory. During the advance, the soldiers encountered an armed cell, and an exchange of fire broke out at point-blank range, with the soldiers returning fire.”

“Israeli Army Radio” added: “The injured soldiers were evacuated by other troops under fire, amid continued gunfire from the gunmen, who also fired an anti-tank rocket.”

Following this, “tanks were called in to provide fire cover, while Air Force jets carried out airstrikes around the area to isolate the battlefield,” according to the official Israeli radio.

Meanwhile, “Israeli Channel 12” reported that “the soldiers were killed during close-range confrontations with Hezbollah,” adding that “the Israeli army used the air force, tanks, and artillery to target militants who attacked the Israeli force.”

“Israeli Channel 12” also quoted a source as saying that “gunmen launched anti-tank missiles during an attempt to evacuate dead and wounded soldiers.”

The Hebrew newspaper “Haaretz” reported that the number of soldiers killed in southern Lebanon since the beginning of the war has risen to ten.