The IDF announced that Master Sergeant (Res.) Alexander Filin, 29, of Haifa, was killed during operations in southern Lebanon when an explosive device detonated near his unit. Filin served as a combat soldier in the command post of the 36th Division.

The same attack left two additional reservists—a reserve officer and another reserve soldier—with moderate injuries. Several others were hurt as well, including a combat noncommissioned officer, two reserve soldiers, and a female reserve soldier, all of whom sustained light wounds.

All of the injured personnel were transported to hospitals for treatment, and their families were informed of their condition.

According to the IDF’s preliminary findings, the incident took place at approximately 5:00 p.m. Wednesday while a combat force was conducting a foot patrol in the Litani sector of southern Lebanon. During the operation, an explosive device was triggered against the troops.

The fatal attack came just hours after another security incident in southern Lebanon in which five Israeli soldiers were wounded by explosive drones launched by Hezbollah.

That attack began around 6:00 a.m. when an explosives-laden drone struck near a tank operated by forces from a Givati Brigade combat team in the Tibnin area. Four soldiers were hit by shrapnel and evacuated by helicopter to medical centers. One of the wounded was listed in serious condition, two suffered moderate injuries, and another two were lightly hurt.

Moments later, a second drone exploded near the vehicle being used to evacuate the wounded, causing injuries to an additional soldier.

Following the attacks, Israeli forces responded with artillery strikes aimed at terrorist infrastructure in the area. The incidents underscore the continued dangers facing IDF forces operating along the northern front despite months of military activity against Hezbollah targets.

{Matzav.com}