The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has entered another deadly phase after a Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon killed an elite Israeli soldier and wounded 13 others during an overnight military operation. The Israel Defense Forces identified the fallen commando as Sgt. First Class Nir Ben Ari of the elite Maglan Unit. According to the IDF, the troops were operating near the Ali Taher Ridge, targeting a major underground Hezbollah facility believed to house dozens of operatives, when they came under a coordinated rocket barrage and explosive drone attack before dawn. The assault left one soldier dead, two troops in serious condition, and 11 others wounded. The incident comes just a day after another deadly strike in the same area reportedly killed four Israeli soldiers. Israeli investigators now believe that attack was caused by either an anti-tank guided missile or a drone rather than an internal tank malfunction. WATCH

A new escalation has unfolded in the West Asia after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz "closed," citing alleged Israeli violations of a recent ceasefire understanding in southern Lebanon. The announcement has heightened global concerns over one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard warning vessels that their safety could be at risk if they continue transiting the waterway. Tehran described the move as the "first step" in response to what it claims are breaches of commitments by Israel and the United States. The development comes as fresh Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 16 people in southern Lebanon, despite recent announcements of a ceasefire framework. Rescue operations remain underway in multiple areas affected by the attacks, while tensions continue to rise across the region. WATCH