Ali al-Tahir Ridge — near Nabatieh, South Lebanon
According to the field account provided, an Israeli infantry and engineering unit advanced toward a strategic facility on the Ali al-Tahir ridge under cover of darkness.
TIMELINE
03:30–04:00 AM | Infiltration & Detection
An Israeli ground unit moved toward the ridge while being monitored by Hezbollah fighters from the beginning of its advance.
04:15 AM | Ambush
After entering the designated engagement zone, the unit was struck by an explosive loitering munition/drone, accompanied by targeted fire. The account reports direct hits among the advancing troops.
04:30–05:30 AM | Casualty Evacuation
Israeli Unit 669 rescue helicopters were reportedly deployed to evacuate casualties under intensive covering fire.
The evacuation corridor was reportedly supported by:
Heavy artillery fire
Smoke screens, including phosphorus
Airstrikes across the ridge and surrounding areas of Nabatieh
🩸 Casualties
Initial field/resistance reports estimated approximately 15 casualties, killed and wounded.
Subsequent Israeli military confirmation reportedly acknowledged:
1 killed
13 wounded
The fallen soldier was identified as:
Sgt. First Class Nir Ben Ari, 21, of the Commando Brigade’s Maglan unit.
🏥 Evacuation & Medical Status
Rambam Health Care Campus — Haifa
• 2 seriously wounded personnel reportedly underwent emergency surgery following blast and shrapnel injuries.
• Both remain under intensive medical care/rehabilitation.
Ziv Medical Center — Safed
• 1 moderately wounded soldier hospitalized with orthopedic and shrapnel injuries.
• 10 lightly wounded personnel treated for shrapnel injuries, concussions and other surface injuries.
All reported wounded personnel remain hospitalized, following notification of their families.
The significance of the incident goes beyond the casualty figures: the reported engagement illustrates the risks facing Israeli ground units operating in the terrain around southern Lebanon, where infiltration and reconnaissance can expose advancing forces to close-range ambushes and rapid casualty evacuation under fire.