Two Belgian journalists sustained injuries in Lebanon while covering the overnight airstrikes in Beirut, according to their employer, amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah.
VTM correspondent Robin Ramaekers incurred facial injuries, while cameraman Stijn De Smet is receiving treatment for a leg wound, as stated by the broadcaster’s parent company, DPG Media.
“There was a bombing in central Beirut last night. When Robin and Stijn attempted to report on the incident, they were injured,” the company noted, adding that the duo is currently being treated in the hospital.
“Both are now safe and receiving care.”
Belgium’s foreign ministry is closely monitoring the unfolding situation.
I am relieved to learn that my friend Stijn De Smet is recovering after being shot in the leg while reporting from Beirut last night for Belgian channel VTM. He collaborated with @rtenews for many years, including in Ukraine in February 2014. pic.twitter.com/Iilo9DfuPC
— Paul Cunningham (@RTENewsPaulC) October 3, 2024
Israel has been executing a bombing campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and has also deployed its troops across the border.
Overnight air raids pounded Beirut by the Israeli military.
Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) reported that a total of 17 strikes had struck the capital by dawn.
One of the strikes targeted a Hezbollah rescue facility, according to a source close to the group, resulting in at least six fatalities, as per a toll from the Lebanese health ministry.
According to Israel, the goal is to secure its border with Lebanon to allow tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by nearly a year of conflict with Hezbollah to return home.
The bombardments in Lebanon have resulted in over 1,000 casualties and have led to the death of Hezbollah’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Lebanese authorities report that approximately one million people have been displaced.
Last year, a journalist was killed, and six other reporters, including two from AFP, were injured due to Israeli shelling while covering the cross-border conflict in southern Lebanon.
