Lebanon’s military reported that two of its personnel were killed on Thursday following an explosion triggered by an Israeli drone that had crashed in the southern region of the country. This incident marks yet another tragic event for Lebanese forces operating near the volatile Israeli border.
The deceased included an officer and a soldier, with two additional personnel sustaining injuries during the inspection of the downed drone in the Naqura area. In a statement, the Lebanese Army detailed the circumstances surrounding the explosion, underscoring the persistent dangers military personnel face while engaged in operations to stabilize southern Lebanon.
President Joseph Aoun reacted strongly, emphasizing that the army continues to pay a heavy price in protecting stability in the region. He highlighted that this occurrence is the fourth fatal incident for the military since its recent deployment in the south aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructural presence, a campaign supported by United Nations peacekeepers.
Earlier this month, a deadly blast at a weapons depot was reported, resulting in the deaths of six Lebanese soldiers. That depot was said to have connections to Hezbollah, reflecting the continuing tensions and risks associated with military operations in the region.
President Aoun pointed out that the recent tragedy coincided with the United Nations Security Council’s extension of the peacekeeping force’s mandate, as it prepares for a planned withdrawal by the end of 2027. The situation also aligned with calls from the international community urging Israel to cease its military activities and allow the Lebanese army to assert authority up to the international border.
The US-brokered ceasefire agreement earlier mandated both Hezbollah and Israel to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon; however, Israel has retained a military presence in areas it considers strategically important.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the government’s steadfast support for the military. He emphasized the role of the army as Lebanon’s cornerstone of sovereignty and national unity, highlighting its importance amidst the ongoing regional complexities.
