Israel, Hezbollah Exchange Fire: UN Peacekeeper, Two IDF Soldiers Dead

A Spanish member of the UN peacekeeping mission and two Israeli soldiers died as the IDF launched at least 25 shells at southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's attack on one of its vehicles earlier in the day.

MOSCOW, January 28 (Sputnik) — A Spanish member of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, who was wounded in a skirmish between Israel and Hezbollah, has been confirmed dead, NBC News reported Wednesday.

"We are still checking information about the circumstances of his death," UN Interim Force (UNFIL) spokeswoman Andrea Tenenti was quoted as saying by NBC.

Post by Israel Defense Forces.

According to the IDF, two Israeli soldiers were killed and seven wounded during the Hezbollah attack Tuesday.

Confirmed: Two IDF soldiers were killed and an additional seven were wounded in the Hezbollah attack near Mt. Dov earlier today.

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 28 января 2015

Following Hezbollah attacks earlier today, the IDF responded with combined aerial and ground strikes at Hezbollah operational positions.

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 28 января 2015

Reports of the peacekeeper's death emerged as the Israel Defense Forces launched at least 25 shells at southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's attack on one of its vehicles earlier in the day. Four to six soldiers were reportedly injured in the attack, according to local media.

Update: Several injured in attack near Mt. Dov. We hold Hezbollah responsible for the attacks in northern Israel today.

— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 28 января 2015

On Tuesday, at least two rockets allegedly fired from Syria struck northern Israel's Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights. No deaths or damage has been reported. Israel responded by firing at least 15 shells.

The situation on Israel's northern borders intensified on December 18, 2014, when media reports cited sources in Hezbollah stating that an Israeli helicopter fired missiles on a group of militants near the Syrian town of Quneitra, on the Golan Heights border. The attack claimed six lives.