Hezbollah Deploys Mirsad-1 UAVs in Attack on IDF Base Near Haifa.

According to information published by Clash Report on October 13, 2024, Hezbollah reportedly launched Mirsad-1 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) base near Haifa.
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Hezbollah Mirsad-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. (Picture source: Wikipedia)

The Mirsad-1 UAV, used by Hezbollah since the early 2000s, is primarily a reconnaissance drone based on Iranian technology, specifically the Ababil-T or Mohajer-2 platforms. It serves multiple roles, including intelligence gathering and, in some cases, as a suicide drone. This UAV was first deployed by Hezbollah in 2004, when it successfully penetrated Israeli airspace during two high-profile incursions, one in November 2004 and another in April 2005.

The Mirsad-1 is relatively small and lightweight, with a range of approximately 120 kilometers and capable of carrying a payload of up to 40 kilograms of explosives. It has a top speed of 370 km/h and can operate at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. Despite being initially used for surveillance, it is also equipped to serve in offensive roles, including carrying out kamikaze-style attacks on targets​.

Hezbollah attack on IDF base

The Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) base near Haifa in October 2024 marks a critical escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which has intensified since the start of Israel's operations in Gaza. On October 13, Hezbollah launched explosive drones targeting a military base in Binyamina, killing four soldiers and wounding several others. This attack was one of the deepest incursions by Hezbollah into Israeli territory during the current conflict.

Hezbollah claimed the strike as retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon. These ongoing hostilities have seen the militant group use advanced drone technology to strike high-value targets in Israel, part of a broader strategy to challenge Israeli dominance. This strike highlighted gaps in Israel's air defense systems, raising questions about the preparedness of military installations far from the immediate conflict zone.

The incident is emblematic of the broader regional tensions, with Hezbollah positioning itself as a key actor supporting Palestinian efforts against Israel. While Israel has responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, the frequency and scale of these drone attacks underscore Hezbollah’s capability to target critical infrastructure deep within Israeli territory. The attack also signals Hezbollah's intention to escalate the conflict in response to Israeli actions, making the northern border a potential flashpoint for broader regional warfare.

This development aligns with Hezbollah's broader strategy of using asymmetric warfare to exert pressure on Israel while avoiding full-scale war, although the risk of further escalation remains high. Both sides are engaging in a tit-for-tat cycle, raising concerns over the potential for a more prolonged and destructive conflict.