Four Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers have been killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, according to a statement from the Israeli military.


The IDF press office confirmed the fatalities but said only one of the deceased had been publicly identified so far as Lieutenant Colonel Ben Simhon.


Israeli military correspondents reported that the soldiers were killed when a tank was struck during fighting in the area. The type of weapon used has not yet been determined, and an investigation is underway.


In a separate incident, the IDF said an Israeli reserve officer was seriously wounded overnight, while three reserve warrant officers and one extended-service soldier sustained minor injuries in a drone attack in southern Lebanon.


“The servicemen were evacuated to hospital for medical treatment, and their families have been notified,” the military said in a statement.


By Sabina Mammadli