BEIRUT: Hezbollah has claimed it carried out a large-scale ambush against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, reporting the destruction of multiple armored vehicles during intense fighting along the Taybeh–Qantara axis.
In a statement, the group said Israeli forces from the 36th Division, including the 7th Brigade, initially deployed a remote-controlled bulldozer to probe defensive positions between the Moheisbat area in Taybeh and the town of Qantara. Hezbollah fighters said they monitored the movement and deliberately delayed engagement to lure the advancing forces into a pre-planned ambush.
According to the statement, an Israeli armored column advanced toward Qantara on Wednesday evening. Once the vehicles entered what Hezbollah described as a designated “kill zone,” fighters launched guided missile strikes targeting the central formation, which included four Merkava tanks and a D9 armored bulldozer. Hezbollah claimed these vehicles were destroyed in the initial attack.
The group said a second wave of missile strikes targeted a rear unit of four Merkava tanks that attempted to reposition under smoke cover, resulting in their destruction. Simultaneously, Hezbollah artillery units shelled Israeli command positions in nearby areas, including Rab Thalathin and al-Ouwayda, as well as reinforcements sent to evacuate casualties.
A forward Israeli unit attempting to continue its advance toward Qantara was also hit by direct missile fire, leading to the destruction of additional armored vehicles, including a bulldozer and tanks. Hezbollah stated that Israeli troops were forced to abandon remaining vehicles and retreat on foot toward the Moheisbat area while evacuating the wounded.
Overall, Hezbollah claimed that 10 Merkava tanks and two D9 bulldozers were destroyed during the confrontation. It added that a similar Israeli advance earlier in the week toward Deir Siryan had also been repelled, with eight tanks reportedly destroyed.
The clashes are part of ongoing hostilities along the Lebanon-Israel border, where Hezbollah says it continues to confront Israeli advances. The group also reported launching surface-to-air missiles at an Israeli fighter jet in a separate incident, claiming it forced the aircraft to withdraw from Lebanese airspace.
The reported developments could not be independently verified, and there has been no immediate comment from Israeli authorities. The situation remains highly volatile as fighting continues across the southern Lebanese front.
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