Missile strike kills 2 IDF soldiers during rescue mission in southern Lebanon

2026-03-08 - 13:49

Sergeant First Class Maher Khatar from the northern Druze town of Majdal Shams was killed in combat in Lebanon, the IDF announced in a release cleared for publication. A second soldier also died in the same incident. Khatar, 38, a combat engineering equipment operator with the 91st Division, was killed when his D9 bulldozer was struck by what is believed to have been an anti-tank missile or mortar fire while en route to rescue a stalled IDF armored personnel carrier in the area. IDF'S Division 91 in southern Lebanon (Photo: IDF) During the night, the missiles were fired at the Israeli forces while they were carrying out a rescue mission for a disabled vehicle at an outpost in southern Lebanon. A combat officer was also lightly wounded in the incident and was evacuated for medical treatment at a hospital. His family has been notified. Immediately following the missile fire, heavy barrages were directed at the area, and Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck numerous targets in the region. In violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Israel, the Lebanon-based Hezbollah terrorist organization has attacked Israel alongside Iran, launching heavy missile barrages primarily at northern Israel. The IDF has responded with airstrikes in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains its main stronghold.