The Lebanese army said an Israeli airstrike targeted one of its military bases late Tuesday in the southern town of Sarafand, killing three Lebanese soldiers. The Health Ministry said at least 17 people were also wounded, including civilians who lived near the facility.
In total, 41 Lebanese soldiers have been killed amid the war between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
Lebanon's army has largely stood on the sidelines during the 13-month conflict, and if a ceasefire is reached, the army could play a key role in securing a UN buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the attack — the latest in a series of Israeli strikes targeting the Lebanese military. On Sunday, Israel bombed a Lebanese army post in Mari, in Hasbaya province, killing two soldiers and critically injured three others.
In response, the Lebanese government announced on Monday plans to file a formal complaint with the UN Security Council on the “repeated attacks” on the Lebanese army, citing repeated violations of international law.
Before Tuesday's airstrike, Lebanese army spokesperson Col. Fadi Eid told The Associated Press that 38 soldiers have been killed since the current war began last year.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry also said that 28 people were killed Monday, raising the nationwide toll over to at least 3,544 killed and 15,036 wounded.
