As per a report by Eurasian Times, the Merkava-4 Barak Main Battle Tank (MBT) was struck by a huge Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
Tel Aviv: In a significant setback for the Israel Defense Forces, a major development in the Gaza conflict has surfaced with claims that the IDF might have lost its state-of-the-art Merkava-4 Barak Main Battle Tank. The unprecedented incident, occurring amid the fierce ground assault in the enclave, highlights the escalating risks involved in Israel’s military campaign. Here’s all you need to know about the Merkava-4 Barak Main Battle Tank and its present condition in the war.
As per a report by Eurasian Times, the Merkava-4 Barak Main Battle Tank (MBT) was struck by a huge Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Also, in a post shared by an account named ‘Tank Posting’ on X, images from different angles show that the Merkava Mk-4 Barak of Israel has been damaged beyond repair.
About Merkava IV Tank
The Merkava IV is an Israeli tank known for being heavyweight, weighing in at 70 tons. The V-12 diesel engine of the Merkava IV can crank up 1,500 horsepower, translating to speeds of 40 miles per hour on-road.
The Merkava IV packs an IMI 120mm L44 main gun, an M2 Browning .50-caliber heavy machine gun, and a 7.62mm light machine gun. The tank can also take a Mark 19 40mm grenade launcher and hit targets beyond direct visual range. Additionally, the main gun of the Merkava IV tank main gun can fire armor-piercing and high explosive shells.
The Merkava IV tank is also known to be quite similar to its American and European peers like M1A2 Abrams, the British Challenger 2, the French Leclerc, and the German Leopard 2.
Hezbollah media chief killed in Israeli strike on Beirut
An Israeli strike in the Lebanese capital Beirut killed Hezbollah’s media relations chief Mohammed Afif on Sunday, Times of Israel reported. According to the Times of Israel, Hezbollah has confirmed the death of Mohammad Afif. Afif was killed in an IDF strike on the headquarters of the Syrian Ba’ath Party in central Beirut, Times of Israel reported. Israel is yet to confirm the killing of the Hezbollah spokesman, as per the Times of Israel.
According to Al Jazeera, Afif hosted several press conferences for Hezbollah, providing information regarding the Israeli bombardment. Afif managed Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television station for several years before taking over as the top media relations officer for the armed group.
Afif in his recent statements to reporters had said that Hezbollah had enough weapons to fight a “long war” against Israel, Al Jazeera reported.
Afif assassination is another step towards Israel’s aim to eliminate Hezbollah leadership.
Earlier Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah after Lebanon-based group named Hashem Safieddine as its head.
(With inputs from agencies)