Lebanese Red Cross ambulance hit by landmine in Zawtar al-Sharqiya; two paramedics injured
Lebanese Red Cross ambulance struck by a landmine during a rescue in Zawtar al-Sharqiya, injuring two paramedics; army engineers are securing the area now.
The Lebanese Red Cross said a vehicle on a rescue mission was damaged after detonating a landmine in the Zawtar al-Sharqiya area, injuring two paramedics and halting emergency access to the site. The Lebanese Red Cross ambulance incident occurred while crews were responding to an emergency call, and rescue operations were immediately suspended for safety reasons. Authorities and the Red Cross moved to coordinate clearance of unexploded ordnance to permit safe evacuation and continue humanitarian work.
Ambulance damaged during rescue in Zawtar al-Sharqiya
The Red Cross reported that the ambulance was struck by a landmine while conducting an active rescue effort in the southern village. The explosion damaged the vehicle and caused injuries to two on-board paramedics, prompting an urgent response from nearby units.
First responders at the scene were forced to stop further movement until the area could be declared safe, delaying additional rescues and evacuations. The presence of mines and unexploded ordnance heightened the risk to both civilians and emergency personnel in the vicinity.
Paramedics treated and evacuated after blast
Medical teams provided immediate care to the two injured paramedics, who were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment and observation. The Red Cross confirmed the injuries but did not provide details on their condition beyond noting they were injured during the incident.
Authorities said the priority was to stabilize the injured, secure their evacuation route, and prepare for a controlled extraction of the damaged ambulance. The incident underscored the vulnerability of medical personnel operating in areas contaminated by explosive remnants.
Army engineers called to clear mines and unexploded ordnance
The Lebanese Red Cross said it was coordinating with the Lebanese Army’s Engineering Regiment to secure the site and clear any remaining mines or unexploded ordnance. Military engineers began systematic sweeps to identify hazards and establish a safe corridor for rescuers and evacuees.
Officials warned that such clearance operations can be time-consuming and require strict safety protocols, which in turn delay rescue and recovery efforts. The involvement of the Engineering Regiment is intended to reduce further risk to civilians and humanitarian staff operating in the area.
Operational impact on humanitarian services
The attack on the Red Cross vehicle forced an immediate suspension of some emergency services in the affected locality while clearance was underway. Humanitarian organizations and local authorities must weigh the need for rapid response against the danger posed by explosive devices on access routes.
Aid groups noted that landmine contamination not only endangers response teams but can effectively isolate communities, complicate medical transfers, and impede delivery of essential services. The disruption may require re-routing ambulances and redeploying resources until safe access is restored.
Local and national coordination following the incident
The Red Cross statement emphasized joint action with security forces and relevant authorities to manage the aftermath of the explosion. Coordination among military engineers, local officials, and humanitarian actors was described as critical to ensuring both the safety of personnel and continuity of aid.
Officials said they would assess the broader area for additional threats and consider longer-term measures to prevent similar incidents, including updated mapping of contaminated zones and public alerts for residents and emergency teams. Transparency and timely briefings were promised to keep communities informed as clearance proceeds.
Humanitarian groups and community leaders expressed concern about the risks posed to medical and relief operations across contaminated territories. They called for accelerated clearance and stronger protections for ambulances and other neutral medical services operating in volatile or mined areas.
The Lebanese Red Cross remains on alert and has reiterated protocols designed to protect staff and volunteers while maintaining essential services wherever safely possible. Continued collaboration with the Lebanese Army’s Engineering Regiment will be central to removing immediate dangers and restoring secure access for emergency response teams.
Emergency responders continue to monitor the situation as engineers work to clear mines and unexploded ordnance, with the goal of resuming safe rescue and medical evacuation operations as soon as conditions allow.
