A British journalist was hit by a missile while reporting in Lebanon, which is currently under attack by Israel. Steven Sweeney, working for Russia Today, was on camera discussing rocket attacks when an explosion occurred just behind him. The blast knocked over the camera and sent debris flying, while Sweeney shouted in shock, repeatedly asking, “where?”
Sweeney had previously claimed he was “effectively exiled” from the UK after being detained by counter-terrorism officials at Heathrow. On March 18, he posted on social media condemning attacks on journalists as a war crime, referencing the death of Mohammad Sherri, director of political programs for Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV.
RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan reported that Sweeney and his cameraman were wounded by an Israeli strike while crossing a bridge in southern Lebanon. She confirmed that both men were conscious in hospital, with doctors examining them for shrapnel injuries.
The blast occurred as Israel targeted bridges in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military had announced it would strike crossing points over the Litani River, claiming they were used by Hezbollah to move personnel and weapons.
Lebanon has been drawn into the larger conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, had fired missiles into Israel as retaliation for earlier strikes, prompting a response from the Israeli military.
Israel’s retaliation included missile strikes across Lebanon, followed by a ground invasion with troops, escalating tensions and putting civilians and journalists at risk.
The incident highlights the dangers journalists face in active conflict zones. Reporting on the ground exposes them to unpredictable hazards, from missile strikes to crossfire, even when following safety protocols.
Sweeney’s near-miss is a stark reminder of the risks media professionals endure to document events. Despite the chaos, both he and his cameraman survived, underscoring the perilous conditions in Lebanon as the conflict intensifies.
