Shocking Near Miss: Reporter Narrowly Escapes Missile Explosion in Lebanon

A terrifying incident unfolded on Thursday for a journalist and his team when a missile detonated mere feet from them while they were on assignment in conflict-ridden Lebanon, as revealed in a shocking video.

Steve Sweeney, alongside cameraman Ali Rida, both affiliated with the Russian RT network, were on the ground covering the recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon when they suddenly spotted a missile barreling toward their location.

The explosive device detonated right behind Sweeney, unleashing a forceful blast that hurled both him and Rida backward, engulfing the area in smoke and debris.

“F—king hell,” exclaimed Sweeney, a reporter based in Beirut, amid the chaotic scene. “F—k,” he added, clearly shaken by the close call.

RT alleges that the Israeli military, which has been conducting airstrikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, targeted the journalists’ position near the Al-Qasmiya Bridge.

Rida further accused Israel of “deliberately attacking” the team, emphasizing that they were visibly marked as press members through their attire.

The Israel Defense Forces said it had issued a warning for civilians to stay away from the crossing as part of its bombardment campaign on Thursday.

“In footage released in the past few hours, a journalist is seen at the Qasmiya crossing. An explicit warning had been issued regarding this area,” the IDF said in a statement.

“The crossing was struck after sufficient time had passed since warnings. The crossing was again targeted today (Thursday) at 12:30.

“The IDF does not target civilians or journalists and operates in accordance with international law,” the Israeli military added.