On 19th November 2024, alleged Israeli airstrikes hit a Lebanese Army center in the southern Lebanese town of Sarafand, killing three Lebanese army soldiers: 42-year-old Ayman Abdel Latif Rahhal, 27-year-old Adam George Aoun and 30-year-old Ali Mohammed Harb, and injuring others. As the Lebanese army is not party to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the three deceased have been categorised as civilians.

It appears all three men worked in the Intelligence branch of the army. Family and friends of the three deceased shared loving tributes on social media.

First Lieutenant Ayman Abdel Latif Rahhal was a married father of two. Having joined the army in 2008, he had “received several medals and commendations from the Army Commander” on multiple occasions. His cousin, Ataya Abbas Florence, shared a tribute commending Rahhal’s “chivalry, determination and a smiling face all the time.” He shared a picture of a seated Rahhal wearing a blue sweatshirt overlooking the sea. His friend Israa Tahan also shared a post saying “goodbye” to his friend, sharing a photo of Rahhal, smiling as he dined at a restaurant. A funeral was held for Ayman the following day.

Sergeant Ali Harb, from Zoutar Sharqiya, had “volunteered in the army as a trainee soldier” beginning in 2018. He had received Commander’s compliments and medals for his service.

His sister, Sana Harb, shared the news of his death on Facebook with a selfie of the two of them. She praised her brother for having the “kindest and most compassionate heart in the world.” His cousin Salim Harb also posted, hoping his soul would “rest in peace.” His friend Ali Zonji shared two more pictures, one of Harb in a blue button-up shirt and another a headshot. Facebook user Ali Zonji wrote that Harb was “the meaning of kindness, manliness, honesty, faith, chivalry, courage, altruism, certainty, purity, generosity, love of life.”

Bint Jbeil shared pictures of the victims, with Rahhal in a black sweatshirt with grey sleeves and Harb in a black jacket.

Sergeant Adam George Aoun, the youngest of the deceased, was from Ghazieh in southern Lebanon. He had joined the army as a volunteer trainee soldier in 2015 and had quickly become a valued serviceman, as he “received the commendation and congratulations of the Army Commander several times.” Bint Jbeil shared a photograph of Aoun, wearing a black sweatshirt and jacket.

Zahraa Manana shared a poetic tribute for the deceased, emphasising that the town of Sarafand “weeps” for the destruction, and asked, “For the martyrs of the army and the homeland/ Heaven.” Included with the poem were two pictures of the destruction. An image of the badly damaged Army center shared by Zahraa showed that “الجيش اللبناني مركز القنطرة” was written on one of the center’s walls. This translates to “The Lebanese Army’s Al-Qantara Center.”

A woman interviewed by Al Mayadeen News said that the area around the Army’s center was residential, and that the Army’s center was a normal center – as the town is situated on a port.

While sources reported injuries, there was no consensus as to the specific toll. Roy M. Boukhary alleged “dozens” were wounded and increased the death toll to “more than” four. Notably, no other source corroborated the increased death toll. GLISMedia reported nine wounded, while News of Zgharta and the North claimed eight; @Sa7atPlBreaking reported 10.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the attack to the Israeli military. There was no immediate statement from the Israeli military, which has repeatedly said it is not in conflict with the Lebanese military – only Hezbollah and allied militant groups.