Reserve Sergeant Alexander Filin Killed in Southern Lebanon Combat Incident

Reserve Sgt. Maj. Alexander Filin, 29, from Haifa and a fighter in Division 36 headquarters, was killed on Wednesday in combat in southern Lebanon after an explosive device was activated against the command post of the division’s deputy commander. Seven other IDF soldiers were wounded in the same incident, three moderately and four lightly. Among the moderately wounded was the deputy division commander, an officer with the rank of colonel.

According to the IDF, around 5:00 p.m. a team from the deputy commander’s command post and soldiers from the Givati Brigade were moving on foot when a charge was triggered. Fragments from the blast wounded four fighters, who were evacuated by helicopter for further treatment at a hospital. Minutes later, another explosive drone struck the evacuation vehicle, wounding one more soldier who was also airlifted.

After the incident, IDF forces struck terrorist infrastructure in the area with artillery fire. The army is investigating whether the explosion was caused by an Israeli explosive device, which would make it an operational accident, or by an enemy charge.

The incident took place during a ceasefire and after understandings between the United States and Iran. It came hours after Hezbollah launched two explosive drones at an IDF force and an evacuation unit, injuring five soldiers, including one evacuated in serious condition.