Drone attack in Israel claims lives of four soldiers, injures over 60
PTC News Desk: In a tragic escalation of violence, a drone strike on an Israeli army base in northern Israel has resulted in the deaths of four soldiers and injuries to more than 60 others, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The attack took place at a base located "adjacent to Binyamina," approximately 20 miles (33 km) south of Haifa.
The IDF reported that seven soldiers sustained severe injuries during the strike, which was claimed by the militant group Hezbollah. Hezbollah asserted that the drone attack targeted a training camp of the IDF's Golani Brigade, situated between the major cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa. The armed group's media office indicated that the strike was a retaliation for recent Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon and Beirut.
In a coordinated operation, Hezbollah stated that it utilized a "swarm of drones" to carry out the attack, highlighting an advanced tactical approach in their engagement with Israeli forces.
The Israeli ambulance service, Magen David Adom (MDA), reported a total of 61 injuries resulting from the attack, including three individuals in critical condition. The MDA stated that 37 victims were transported to eight regional hospitals, using both ambulances and helicopters for urgent medical care. Among the injured, 18 were reported in moderate condition, 31 sustained mild injuries, and nine individuals were experiencing anxiety-related symptoms.
The discrepancy in the reported number of critical injuries between the IDF and MDA remains unclear, as both organizations continue to assess the situation.
Initially, Israeli censorship regulations restricted media outlets from detailing the specific location and nature of the target. However, the IDF later confirmed that the Binyamina base had indeed been struck. Some reports from Israeli media suggested that a low-level drone, launched from Lebanon, was responsible for the attack. This type of drone is described as a relatively unsophisticated weapon that seemingly failed to activate early-warning alarms.
Throughout the evening, various television bulletins, social media posts, and online reports showcased footage of emergency vehicles, including helicopters, transporting the injured to hospitals throughout northern Israel. The Hillel Yaffe Medical Centre in nearby Hadera received many of the casualties, while others were taken to hospitals in Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya.
While details about the incident are still emerging, it appears that many of those injured were in a communal canteen at the time of the drone strike, caught completely off guard. Images circulating on social media depicted an empty mess hall with a significant hole in the roof, suggesting the severity of the impact.
As investigations continue, the situation remains tense, with heightened security measures in place across the region.
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- With inputs from agencies
