LEBANON (VINnews) – Reporter Steve Sweeney and his cameraman were injured after an Israeli strike during filming near a bridge in southern Lebanon, according to RT. The Kremlin-backed outlet said an Israeli aircraft fired a missile that landed less than 10 meters behind the crew as they reported live.

The footage, published by RT (Russia Today), shows the moment of impact as Sweeney ducks for cover. RT said both journalists were struck by shrapnel and later received medical treatment at a local hospital.

The crew said they were wearing press markings and claimed they were deliberately targeted. That allegation has not been independently confirmed.

RT also shared additional footage showing Sweeney being treated for shrapnel wounds, while the cameraman said both were conscious and recovering.

The footage circulated widely online. In a conflict zone, such incidents can occur amid ongoing military activity.

The incident comes amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon, where tensions with Hezbollah have escalated in recent weeks.

Turns out you can hear the missile when it's flying at you — RT cameraman Ali Rida

The RT crew keeps it positive even after the strike https://t.co/hxAL6EENtQ pic.twitter.com/Gw42DdxnpF

— RT (@RT_com) March 19, 2026

❗️ Moment Israel DIRECTLY HITS RT crew https://t.co/cxNTq2htyY pic.twitter.com/IWLmKGHwSj

— RT (@RT_com) March 19, 2026

❗️Israeli army ‘DELIBERATELY’ targets RT crew despite clearly marked press uniforms — injured Ali Rida reports from southern Lebanon https://t.co/5Elgars8i2 pic.twitter.com/zOqxULSxcu

— RT (@RT_com) March 19, 2026