IDF confirms launching deadly strike on Lebanese army vehicle, says it moved ‘suspiciously’ in combat zone

The IDF confirms it struck a Lebanese army vehicle in southern Lebanon this morning, saying the vehicle was traveling in an active combat zone.

The strike killed a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier, according to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The IDF says that it identified a vehicle “moving suspiciously” toward Israeli forces near the village of Kfar Tebnit.

“The vehicle was traveling in an active combat and evacuated area,” the Israeli military says. It adds that IDF troops in the area had been on alert regarding potential attacks by Hezbollah, and that the IDF holds intelligence indicating that “Hezbollah operates extensively in this area.”

The military emphasizes that “this is a combat zone that requires coordination of movement with the IDF.”

“Following the identification, and due to the warning information and the danger to the forces, the vehicle was struck,” the IDF says.

The Israeli military confirms that in the vehicle were two officers and a soldier of the LAF, adding that the incident is under further investigation.

“The IDF is investigating the incident and will draw lessons accordingly,” it says.

The military adds that troops are “operating against the Hezbollah terror organization and not against the Lebanese army.”