JERUSALEM — The Israel Defense Forces announced Thursday that Master Sgt. (res.) Alexander Filin, 29, of Haifa, was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon.

According to an initial IDF investigation, Filin was taking part in a foot patrol near the Litani River alongside troops from the 36th Division when an explosive device detonated. The military believes the blast was caused by an enemy explosive, though the incident remains under investigation.

Filin served as a combat soldier in the 36th Division’s command post.

Several additional soldiers were wounded in the attack. An IDF reserve officer and another reserve soldier sustained moderate injuries, while a combat NCO, two reserve soldiers, and a female reserve soldier were lightly wounded.

All of the injured were evacuated to hospitals for treatment, and their families have been notified.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday during a routine patrol in the Litani area of southern Lebanon.

The deadly blast came just hours after another serious security incident in the north. On Wednesday morning, five IDF combat soldiers were injured when two Hezbollah explosive-laden drones detonated in quick succession. One soldier remains in serious condition, two were moderately wounded, and two sustained light injuries.

The incidents underscore the continued threat posed by Hezbollah operatives and explosive devices in southern Lebanon, despite ongoing Israeli military operations aimed at securing the northern border.