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The army stated that several other soldiers were injured in the blast, though the exact number was not disclosed. “An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident,” the military said in a statement.
The explosion took place amid ongoing operations by the Lebanese army, in collaboration with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure under a ceasefire agreement with Israel that began in November. Earlier this week, UNIFIL reported the discovery of a “vast network of fortified tunnels,” three bunkers, artillery, rocket launchers, hundreds of explosive shells, rockets, anti-tank mines, and approximately 250 ready-to-use improvised explosive devices in the same region.
The incident follows the Lebanese cabinet’s approval of a U.S.-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah, a proposal the group has rejected, claiming it serves Israeli interests.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed grief over the loss, stating on social media, “Lebanon mourns its soldiers who were killed while fulfilling their national duty.”
Diodato Abagnara, head of UNIFIL, offered condolences, writing on X, “Several dedicated Lebanese soldiers were killed and others injured, simply doing their job to restore stability and avoid a return to open conflict. Sincere wishes for a full and fast recovery for the injured. Peacekeepers will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces to restore stability.”
The investigation into the explosion is ongoing as Lebanon continues its efforts to stabilize the volatile region.
