Tragedy struck in southern Lebanon as three Lebanese soldiers lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike while attempting to evacuate wounded individuals. The incident occurred on the outskirts of the village of Yater, where an officer was among the casualties, as confirmed by the Lebanese Army.
Following the strike, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were contacted for comment on the matter. The IDF, in a statement, disclosed ongoing ground raids targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon. The IDF reported hitting over 160 Hezbollah targets, including launchers and infrastructure, resulting in the death of 20 militants within a day.
Recent Israeli strikes have been concentrated in the southern coastal city of Tyre and its vicinity, notably near Yater, as reported by Lebanese state media. The situation has raised concerns, prompting US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to engage with his Israeli counterpart. During their conversation, Austin expressed worry over reports of Israeli strikes on the Lebanese armed forces and emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of both the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers.