IDF's Brigade 401 Completes Eight-Month Combat Mission in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces announced that Brigade 401, under the command of Division 91, has completed its combat mission in southern Lebanon after eight months of fighting. The armored brigade, reinforced with engineering and infantry battalions, entered southern Lebanon during the ceasefire following Operation Northern Shield and engaged in full combat after Operation Roaring Lion and Hezbollah's escalation alongside Iran.

During their deployment, the brigade destroyed over 1,200 Hezbollah terror infrastructures, including hundreds of meters of underground tunnels eliminated in coordination with Yahalom engineering forces. They also located more than 600 weapons and neutralized over 60 Hezbollah militants.

The brigade suffered significant casualties, including the serious injury of Brigade Commander Colonel Meir Biderman, severe injuries to two battalion commanders, Lieutenant Colonel Or Yul and Lieutenant Colonel Dor Ben Shimon, the latter killed by an explosive drone. Brigadier General Yoav Schneider, commander of Brigade 401, emphasized the mission's goal to prevent and remove threats to Israeli civilians, acknowledging the heavy price paid by the soldiers and honoring the fallen, stating their sacrifice will always be remembered and motivate the completion of the mission.