Initial Probe Says Explosive Drone Penetrated Tank After Anti-Tank Missile Strike, Killing Four Soldiers

An initial IDF investigation says Hezbollah carried out a combined attack involving anti-tank missiles and an explosive drone that penetrated a tank and detonated inside it. The army says the blast was not caused by a technical malfunction.

The deadly incident took place during operations by the 36th Division on the Ali Taher ridge, south of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. Four soldiers from the IDF Armored Corps' 52nd Battalion were killed, including battalion commander Lt. Col. Dor Ben Shimchon and Sgt. Yoav Klein. The names of two additional soldiers have not yet been cleared for publication.

According to the preliminary findings published Monday evening by KAN News, after the anti-tank missile fire, the armed drone managed to enter the tank through the rear corridor, apparently carrying an anti-tank warhead, and exploded inside the vehicle. The tank itself has not yet been recovered from southern Lebanon, and that is delaying the completion of the full inquiry.

The IDF said the drone's entry into the tank is the central issue under investigation by the Armored Corps. Military officials expect the tank to be extracted in the coming days, after which additional checks will be carried out and final conclusions drawn.