Missile lands meters away from reporter.
A video from southern Lebanon shows how close a TV reporter came to danger during an Israeli strike. The clip spread quickly online and showed the risks journalists face in the area.
In the video, RT Lebanon bureau chief Steve Sweeney is speaking on camera near the al-Qasmiya bridge. Suddenly, a loud buzzing sound is heard. Moments later, an explosion goes off behind him. The blast is so strong that it knocks the camera down, and Sweeney quickly moves away.
RT later said that Sweeney and cameraman Ali Rida were injured in the strike. The network said both are in stable condition. Doctors removed shrapnel from Sweeney, and he is staying in the hospital for treatment.
Journalists Injured As Strike Hits Near Bridge
Rida addressed viewers in a follow-up clip and reassured them about their condition. “Guys, we are fine. Turns out you can hear the missile when it’s flying at you,” he said, according to TASS.
Lebanon’s state news agency also reported the incident. It said two journalists were slightly injured during an Israeli strike near the al-Qasmiya bridge. It did not share more details about their condition.
Earlier that day, the Israel Defense Forces warned that it planned to carry out strikes in the area. The IDF said it could target bridges over the Litani River, claiming that Hezbollah was using civilian areas to move around. Officials did not confirm if the journalists were standing on a targeted bridge at the time.
The video shows how fast things changed. Steve Sweeney was speaking calmly before the explosion. Then the strike hit suddenly, forcing the crew to stop filming right away.
RT later shared the incident on TV and social media. The network said both men got prompt medical treatment after the strike.
