Soldier seriously injured by mortar shell
Heavy exchanges of fire erupt between IDF soldiers, Hizbullah terrorists in village of Aita al-Shaab in western region of southern Lebanon. On Friday night, soldier killed during operation in eastern region
Terrorists were firing anti-tank missiles, which have caused a lot of injuries among IDF soldiers in the past few days.
Simultaneously, it was cleared for publication that an IDF soldier was seriously injured Saturday after being hit by a mortar shell while standing on the Israeli side of the border.
The soldier was evacuated for medical treatment at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa. Another soldier was lightly injured in the incident and a third soldier suffered from shock.
On Friday night, heavy battles took place in southern Lebanon. IDF soldier, Sergeant Or Shahar, 20, of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, was killed after being hit by a mortar shell in the village of the Nabi al-Awadi, in the eastern region, north of Kibbutz Misgav Am.
Hizbullah operatives in the village fired mortar shells at Israeli troops, hitting the armored vehicle in which Shahar was riding. He was critically wounded and died of his injuries while he was being evacuated.
Another soldier was lightly wounded by mortar fire. He was treated on the scene and continued fighting. Shortly after the incidents, IDF forces managed to locate the mortar launcher and destroyed it
Since the outbreak of the fighting in Lebanon 44 Israeli soldiers have been killed. On Thursday night, an IDF officer and two soldiers from the Golani Brigadewere killed in battles against Hizbullah operatives in Markabah when an anti-tank missile was fired at them.
The battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yoav Mordechai, told Ynet that a short-range gunbattle erupted between the soldiers and terrorists.
"The soldiers fought with courage and aimed for contact. Unfortunately, we lost two fighters and another officer. The company commander was seriously wounded," he said.
Next target: Sidon
According to the commander, apart from the fire aimed at the soldiers, grenades and explosive devices were hurled at them.
Lieutenant Colonel Mordechai said that during the battle, which erupted when two companies were on their way to the mission, at least one terrorist was killed and others were wounded.
In spite of the severe incident, Mordechai said that "the battalion will continue to operate, our spirit is steadfast and this is a strong battalion. The people of Israel can be proud of these soldiers to do everything so that the north will flourish and prosper again."
After massive IDF operations in Tyre and the surrounding area, the army planned to target the town of Sidon directly north of Tyre. On Saturday afternoon the IDF called on residents of the area to evacuate their homes immediately and move north.
The IDF said they warned residents in attempt to avoid civilian casualties.
“For your own personal safety, read the message and act accordingly,” read flyers scattered in the area. “In your area criminal terrorist activity is being carried out in the firing of missiles towards Israel. The IDF will use full force against the terror gangs starting very soon. For your own safety, you must immediately leave the area and move north. Whoever stays endangers their lives. (Signed) The State of Israel.”
