Two IDF soldiers killed in northern Israel 'by drone from Iraq' as military claims deaths of 250 Hezbollah fighters

4 October 2024, 16:19 | Updated: 4 October 2024, 16:40

The soldiers were named as Sargent Daniel Aviv Haim (right) and Corporal Tal Dror, both aged 19 and part of the Golani Brigade.
The soldiers were named as Sargent Daniel Aviv Haim (right) and Corporal Tal Dror, both aged 19 and part of the Golani Brigade. Picture: IDF

By Christian Oliver

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed and two others severely wonded after a drone strike on northern Iraq today, the IDF has said.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The soldiers were named as Sargent Daniel Aviv Haim and Corporal Tal Dror, both aged 19 and part of the Golani Brigade.

Local reports claimed the drone attack came from Iraq and struck the base in Golan Heights, an area annexed by Israel from Syria in 1981.

The IDF said two explosive-laden drones were launched in the attack, one of which was shot down by air defences.

The second then struck the army base, killing the two slain soldiers, and injuring 24, including two who were severely wounded.

Israel bombing the Chiyah district in the Lebanese capital Beirut
Israel bombing the Chiyah district in the Lebanese capital Beirut. Picture: Alamy

Read More: Israel 'won‘t last long', warns Iran's supreme leader as he wields rifle in sermon hailing October 7 attack as 'legitimate act'

Read More: G7 say Iran's strikes on Israel are 'serious threat to regional stability' as leaders call for Lebanon and Gaza ceasefire

Israel also claimed the deaths of around 250 Hezbollah fighters since it began its "limited" incursion into Lebanon earlier this week.

In a statement, the military said "250 Hezbollah terrorists were eliminated, of which 21 were commanders during four days of precise operation in southern Lebanon."

Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said the military was still assessing the damage caused by airstrikes in southern Beirut last night, adding that they had targetted Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters.

Strikes were reported close to Beirut's international airport last night, close to the Dahieh suburb.

Local reports claimed the strikes were targeting Hashem Safieddine, who is the rumoured to be the successor of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. The strikes have not been confirmed.

Hezbollah has not publically provided any death toll.

A damaged building in Dahiyeh, southern Beirut, following almost two weeks of air strikes in the area by the Israeli military
A damaged building in Dahiyeh, southern Beirut, following almost two weeks of air strikes in the area by the Israeli military. Picture: Alamy

Amid rising tensions in the region, Iran's supreme leader earlier today said the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel were a 'legitimate' act as he addressed Tehran worshipers in a rare sermon.

Holding a rifle by his side for his first public sermon in five years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed to the congregation at the Mosalla mosque on Friday that the attacks were justified because they were "logical and legal".

He said the onslaught was committed in self-defence against an oppressor and claimed the principle was recognised under international law.

Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian during the Friday prayer ceremony
Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian during the Friday prayer ceremony. Picture: Getty

Iran bombed Israel on Tuesday night with 180 ballistic missiles after the IDF moved ground troops into Lebanon to fight Hezbollah militants, an Iranian client group.

No Israelis were killed in the Iranian bombing barrage, but Israel has vowed that there will be "consequences".

Khamenei also sought to justify Iran's latest missile attack on Israel, claiming: "The move taken by our armed forces was the least punishment in the face of the crimes of the Zionist regime."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Harry Purcell, 17, Matilda 'Tilly' Seccombe, 16, and Frank Wormald, 16 died in the crash

Teen driver who killed three friends, aged 16 and 17, in crash on way home from school faces years in prison

Princess Kate enjoyed a Guinness as she joined soldiers in the cookhouse

Princess of Ales! Kate buys a round for the Irish Guards at St Patrick’s Day parade

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference in the Downing Street Briefing Room after hosting virtual meeting with international leaders to discuss support for Ukraine.

Trump to speak with Putin tomorrow as Starmer says 30 countries will sign up to peacekeeping plan

Yvette Cooper argued against the decision but it was upheld

Albanian criminal 'avoids deportation because video calls would be ‘harsh’ on stepson'

Keir Starmer

Overhauling 'unsustainable' benefits 'makes moral and economic sense', ministers insist, amid brewing Labour revolt

The video of the new security devices went viral

Tesco installs new ‘sliding’ anti shoplifting device on shelves that leave customers baffled

Reform UK held a press conference In Central London on Monday to announce new councillors.

Nearly 30 councillors defect to Reform UK as Farage says party's civil war won’t ‘put a dent’ in electoral chances

Anthony Wilson, pictured at a younger age

Coventry stabbing victim pictured for first time, as family pay tribute and suspect charged with murder

UK Prime Minister Hosts Video Conference With International Leaders To Discuss Ukraine

Starmer willing to deploy British troops to Ukraine to deter Russian invasion and uphold ceasefire

Sadio Mane married his wife last year.

Liverpool legend Sadio Mane, 32, welcomes baby with teenage wife, a year after she left school to marry star

Kate laughs as she joins the Irish Guards, their veterans, families, serving soldiers, reservists, and young cadets from Northern Ireland, at a special St Patrick's Day parade and celebration at Wellington Barracks in London

Kate dresses in green to visit Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day after missing last year's trip amid cancer treatment

Sir Chris Hoy & wife Lady Sarra

Chris Hoy’s wife Sarra opens up about Olympic star's terminal cancer diagnosis as she declares 'everything is awful'

Michail Antonio

Premier League star Michail Antonio breaks silence after horror Ferrari crash as he reveals he 'could have died'

Paint was thrown at Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre

Mosque slams 'wilful and despicable' attack after rock thrown through window and paint hurled

Exclusive
He was discovered after the pair returned from France last October

Couple hit with £1,500 fine after migrant clung to their motorhome has penalty cancelled

An anti-tourism placard is seen during the demonstration...

Spain's summer of misery for holidaymakers as protesters vow to step up anti-tourist campaign