Israeli Drone Strike Explodes Behind Lebanon TV Crew as Reporter Prepares To Go Live

An Israeli drone reportedly struck a nearby parking area in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, on Sunday, 6 September, as an Al-Manar TV reporter prepared to go live, sending flames, smoke and flying debris across the camera, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Chbib and cameraman Mohammad Barjaoui were injured by shrapnel and flying debris from the blast, according to CPJ and IFJ.

Israeli Drone Strike Explodes Behind TV Reporter

According to reports, Chbib was preparing for the evening news at around 6:00pm when the reported Israeli drone strike hit a nearby parking area. Footage from the incident shows Chbib standing in front of the camera when an explosion erupts behind him. He immediately ducks as flames, smoke and debris sweep across the frame.

The crew then takes cover as the blast interrupts the report. The journalists had been covering recent Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon for the evening news when the blast struck.

Blast Highlights Risks Journalists Face While Reporting

The explosion caused injuries to both members of the Al-Manar crew. Chbib and Barjaoui sustained cuts, bruises and shrapnel injuries after debris was thrown across the area where they were working.

The IFJ said both journalists were taken to Sheikh Ragheb Harb Hospital for treatment. Chbib underwent surgery to remove shrapnel from his shoulder.

CPJ reported that the journalists suffered cuts and bruises to their limbs. Both were later released from hospital, according to Al-Manar.

The blast also highlighted the risks faced by journalists working close to active strike areas, where sudden explosions can disrupt live coverage and expose crews to shrapnel and other debris. The incident showed how quickly conditions can change for crews covering attacks in volatile areas.

Drone Struck Al-Manar Crew Working Near Parking Area

Chbib and Barjaoui were working for Al-Manar, a Lebanese television channel affiliated with Hezbollah, while reporting from an area affected by Israeli military operations.

CPJ said an Israeli drone struck a parking lot where the journalists were working. The IFJ said it joined Lebanon's Union of Journalists in condemning what the union described as attacks targeting journalists.

The reporting confirms that the journalists were injured during the strike, but does not establish that they were the intended targets.

Israel Military Says It Struck Hezbollah Targets

The Israeli military said its forces carried out strikes in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah launched explosive drones towards Israeli forces.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation targeted what it described as Hezbollah military infrastructure, weapons storage facilities and command centres in the area. The military also said it used precision munitions and aerial surveillance to mitigate civilian harm.

Those claims represent the Israeli military's account of the operation. Separately, CPJ and IFJ reported that Chbib and Barjaoui were both injured during the reported strike near their position.

The incident occurred amid continuing violence in southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreed in June. Israeli military operations and Hezbollah-related attacks have continued despite the ceasefire.