Published 13:06 IST, September 9th 2019
Hezbollah claims to have shot down Israeli drone over South Lebanon
Hezbollah has claimed to have shot down an Israeli drone over Southern Lebanon early Monday morning amidst renewed tensions; Israel claims the drone fell
The ongoing conflict between militant groups and Israel has touched a new high. Hezbollah has claimed that it shot down an Israeli drone over southern Lebanon early Monday morning, shortly after it crossed over from Israel amidst rising hostilities along the border between the two countries in recent weeks. A month back, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that his group will encounter and shoot down any Israeli drones that enter Lebanon's airspace. Hezbollah and Israel have last fought a month-long war back in 2006.
Both Sides issue statements
A Hezbollah statement claimed that the drone was shot down with “suitable weapons” over the village of Ramieh and that the militants now have it. The statement did not elaborate on any further information.
The Israeli military on the other hand has said a "drone on a routine mission in northern Israel fell," without offering an explaination on what it was doing or how it was brought down. It said the drone was "simple" and that there was no danger of a risk of breach of data if it gets into enemy hands. The military said the drone fell on September 8, not Today, and the reason for the discrepancy was not clear.
Background to the conflict
A month back, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that his group would encounter and shoot down any Israeli drones that enter Lebanon's airspace, raising the fears of a potential conflict amid renewed tensions. Nasrallah spoke after officials said one alleged Israeli drone crashed in Hezbollah's fortress of southern Beirut, landing on the top of a building that harbored Hezbollah's media office, and another exploded and crashed in a plot behind the complex, causing material damage.
A week ago, Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fires for the first time in years. Hezbollah propelled anti-tank rockets at an Israeli shielded vehicle close to the border, causing no fatalities. Israel fought back with artillery fire into southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah said last week’s missile attack was a retaliation for an Israeli airstrike near the Syrian capital of Damascus last month that killed two of Hezbollah members. Israel said the assault thwarted an Iranian-coordinated drone assault squad. Days after the airstrike, Hezbollah said two Israeli ambush automatons crash-landed in Beirut.
Israel and Hezbollah previously have fought a monthlong war more than a decade back in 2006. Israel considers the militant group its most present and immediate threat.
(With inputs from AP)
Updated 18:14 IST, September 9th 2019