Hezbollah Launches Explosive Drone at IDF Engineering Vehicle in South Lebanon

Hezbollah escalated tensions overnight by launching an explosive drone targeting an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) engineering vehicle in the Ali Taher ridge area of southern Lebanon. The attack occurred during a routine patrol by IDF troops under Brigade 36 near the Blue Line, the border demarcation between Israel and Lebanon. The drone struck the vehicle, causing damage but no injuries, marking the first use of an offensive explosive drone by Hezbollah since the ceasefire took effect, which until now had only seen reconnaissance drones deployed.

In response, the IDF continued its operations in the area, emphasizing it would not allow terrorist activities against its forces. Concurrently, soldiers from Battalion 601 and the Combat Engineering Corps under Brigade 401 of Division 91 destroyed a Hezbollah underground command post in the village of Hdatta. The tunnel system extended approximately 55 meters, included three equipped rooms, and was concealed beneath a building manufacturing construction materials. The site contained dozens of weapons and was located just 300 meters from a UNIFIL facility, highlighting Hezbollah's use of civilian and international structures as cover for military operations.

These incidents come amid ongoing Hezbollah efforts to rebuild its capabilities in southern Lebanon, including weapons acquisition and troop reinforcement in preparation for potential renewed conflict. Recently, Hezbollah attempted to open a new branch of its financial institution, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, in the Tyre area, facing local opposition due to fears of increased attacks. On the diplomatic front, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reportedly presented a plan to the U.S. administration aimed at disarming Hezbollah and placing all military assets under Lebanese army control. Meanwhile, the IDF reaffirmed its commitment to decisively counter any threats to its forces and Israeli civilians.