Lebanese Army Soldier and Brother Killed in Israeli Drone Strike in Southern Lebanon

BEIRUT — The Lebanese Army confirmed Tuesday that a soldier and his brother were killed in an Israeli drone strike in the village of Khirbet Selm in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah along the border region.

The army stated that the two men were traveling in a vehicle when the strike took place. No further details were immediately provided regarding the specific unit to which the soldier belonged or the circumstances surrounding the presence of his brother in the area. The strike targeted a location in Khirbet Selm, a village situated in the southern district of Tyre, which has seen repeated military activity in recent months.

Israeli forces have not yet issued a statement regarding the strike. The Israeli military has previously stated that it conducts targeted operations against Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel in southern Lebanon, often citing security concerns related to cross-border attacks. Hezbollah has not commented on the specific incident, though the group has frequently accused Israel of targeting civilians and Lebanese security forces in the region.

The death of a Lebanese Army soldier in a cross-border strike represents a significant development in the conflict, which has intensified since October 2023. The Lebanese military has maintained a presence along the border with Israel, often serving as a buffer between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. Previous incidents have seen Lebanese soldiers injured or killed in stray fire or targeted attacks, raising concerns about the stability of the ceasefire lines.

Local residents in Khirbet Selm reported hearing explosions shortly before dawn, followed by emergency vehicles responding to the scene. The area has been subject to curfews and military restrictions in recent weeks, limiting civilian movement and access to certain parts of the village. Families in the region have expressed growing anxiety over the safety of their loved ones, with many displaced from their homes due to the ongoing violence.

The Lebanese government has called for an immediate investigation into the incident, though it remains unclear whether the strike was intended to target the soldier or if he was caught in the crossfire. The army has not indicated whether it plans to respond to the attack, but officials have emphasized the need to protect Lebanese forces operating in the border zone.

International observers have urged both sides to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation. The United Nations has expressed concern over the rising number of casualties in southern Lebanon and has called for a return to diplomatic solutions. However, with tensions remaining high and no immediate signs of de-escalation, the situation in the region remains volatile.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the bodies of the two men were being transported to a military hospital in Beirut for identification and processing. The army has not released the names of the deceased, citing security protocols. The incident is expected to draw further attention from regional and international actors as the conflict continues to impact civilians and military personnel alike.