IDF Engineering Vehicle Hit in Southern Lebanon, Suspected Hezbollah Drone Attack

An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) engineering vehicle was damaged overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday in the Ali Taher ridge area of southern Lebanon. The IDF is investigating whether the damage was caused by an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah, which would represent a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The incident occurred in the area where the IDF's 36th Division operates near the Blue Line border.

In recent weeks since the ceasefire, Hezbollah has frequently deployed drones primarily for intelligence gathering, capturing footage and monitoring IDF forces. The IDF has been aware of these reconnaissance drones and has adapted accordingly. However, this appears to be the first instance since the ceasefire where Hezbollah used an explosive drone to directly attack an Israeli vehicle.

Separately, IDF forces from Battalion 601 and the Yahalom engineering unit, under Brigade 401 of the 91st Division, destroyed an underground Hezbollah command post in the village of Khaddata within the IDF-controlled security zone. The tunnel system was approximately 55 meters long with three living chambers, located beneath a building producing construction materials and about 300 meters from a UNIFIL facility. The IDF also found an underground shaft containing dozens of weapons.

The IDF stated it will continue to act to eliminate threats to its forces and prevent Hezbollah from harming Israeli civilians.