Several IDF soldiers from Unit 669 were injured by Hezbollah drones in southern Lebanon while evacuating a wounded soldier on Sunday, with footage shared by the Army radio showing one of the drones impacting next to the IDF troops.
According to the military, the helicopter was not damaged during the Hezbollah attack, which involved two drones launched towards IDF troops, and managed to complete the evacuation of the wounded soldier.
One of the drones was intercepted while the other impacted near the troops just as they were loading a stretcher. The fighters on the ground fired at the vehicle in an attempt to bring it down, but missed, and it exploded near them.
The Air Force helicopter took off from the scene within seconds to avoid a direct hit, as well as to avoid the launch of additional drones into the area.
Soldier killed during Hezbollah drone attack
The IDF announced that Sgt. Idan Fooks, 19, from Petah Tikva, fell in southern Lebanon on Sunday. He served in the 7th Armored Brigade's 77th Battalion.
He was killed when an explosive drone fired by Hezbollah terrorists hit his position during an operation in southern Lebanon, with six other soldiers also wounded in the incident.
There were no indications that footage of the helicopter evacuation corresponded to the incident where Fooks was killed, with Army radio not saying whether the incidents were related.
James Genn contributed to this report.