This footage, provided by a Hezbollah media outlet, shows a drone being used to attack the IDF base in Metullah. What sets this incident apart from others is that a drone normally used in a kamikaze fashion has been retrofitted to carry and fire unguided rockets.

According to the Jerusalem Post, this attack wounded three soldiers, but the IDF hasn't released information beyond that at time of writing. The drone appears to be a variant of the Iranian Ababil, which is/was traditionally used as a practice target for anti-aircraft units before being retrofitted for UAV roles. In the hands of Hezbollah and the Houthi rebels, it has been used as a kamikaze/FPV drone. This footage marks one of the first times, if not the first time, an Ababil was further modified and used to launch independent munitions as shown.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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