The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that Issam Abdullah, a 37-year-old Reuters visual journalist killed by tank fire on October 13 in Lebanon, was in an active combat zone at the time of the incident.
This statement was made following inquiries by Reuters and other news agencies into the events leading to Abdullah’s death.
He was reportedly among a group of clearly identified journalists, who were broadcasting live from a border area where Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces had engaged in cross-border conflict.
The IDF claimed that their response was aimed at preventing a suspected incursion into Israeli territory, as Hezbollah militants were reportedly launching anti-tank missiles nearby.
The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the need for a conclusive investigation into this incident, urging transparency in the results.
Related: Israel Is ‘Very Sorry’ For Attack That Killed Journalist Issam Abdallah
