Journalists Injured in Israeli Strike Near Al-Qasmiya Bridge in Southern Lebanon

A correspondent for RT, Steve Sweeney, and his cameraman, Ali Rida, were injured after an Israeli strike targeted an area near the Al-Qasmiya Bridge in southern Lebanon.

The two journalists were reportedly filming in the area when the strike occurred, narrowly escaping a direct hit. According to initial reports, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at their filming position, which is located close to a local military site.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had targeted crossings along the Litani River, including the Al-Qasmiya area. The military claimed these crossings were being used by Hezbollah to facilitate the movement of fighters and transport large quantities of weapons, including rockets and launchers intended for attacks against Israeli troops and civilians.

The IDF added that warnings had been issued in advance, urging civilians to stay away from the targeted crossings to minimize harm. It stated that the Al-Qasmiya crossing had been struck only after sufficient time had passed following these warnings, and confirmed that it was targeted again at approximately 12:30.

Footage released in recent hours reportedly shows a journalist present at the Qasmiya crossing despite what the IDF described as “explicit warnings” about the area.

The Israeli military reiterated that it does not target civilians or journalists and operates in accordance with international law, while calling on residents in Lebanon to follow safety warnings issued across various platforms.