Hezbollah downs Israeli drone: Naharnet

Hezbollah claims to have shot down an Israeli drone, while the Israeli military confirms the incident amidst ongoing cross-border attacks between the two adversaries. Hezbollah, supported by Hamas, has been engaged in frequent clashes with Israeli forces since the start of the Gaza war triggered by a militant attack last October.

Using air defense weapons, Hezbollah fighters downed a Hermes 900 drone allegedly armed with missiles intended for attacks on their territory. The group has previously claimed to have taken down several Israeli drones during the skirmishes.

The Israeli military acknowledged the drone’s downing, reporting that a surface-to-air missile targeted an Israeli Air Force UAV operating in Lebanese airspace. The escalating conflict has caused multiple fires on either side of the border, raising concerns of a widening conflict.

Hezbollah has increased its use of drones to target Israeli military positions, while Israel has retaliated with strikes on fighters and their allies. In a recent escalation, Hezbollah used anti-aircraft missiles against Israeli jets. The violence, ongoing for over eight months, has claimed the lives of hundreds in Lebanon and dozens in Israel.