RT reporter hit by alleged Israeli strike in Lebanon, cameraman claims 'deliberately attacked'

BEIRUT, LEBANON: A live reporting assignment in Lebanon turned into a near-fatal incident after a missile struck just meters away from a television crew, leaving a journalist injured and sparking fresh allegations against Israel.

Steve Sweeney, who reports for Russian state-backed outlet RT, was wounded while filming near a bridge in southern Lebanon on Thursday, March 19.

The strike, which abruptly halted the crew’s work, has since drawn sharp reactions with RT claiming it was a deliberate attack on press.

Alleged Israeli strike during live reporting in Lebanon

According to accounts from the network and those on the ground, Sweeney and his cameraman Ali Rida were filming near the Al-Qasmiya Bridge when an alleged Israeli missile detonated close to their position.

Both men were reportedly hit by shrapnel and rushed to hospital, where they remained conscious as doctors assessed their injuries.

Rida, who was with Sweeney at the time, claimed the crew had been clearly identifiable as media personnel and suggested the strike was intentional, saying they were “deliberately attacked” despite wearing press markings.

In another video, Sweeney also claimed that the crew was targeted on purpose.

RT later released a video of Rida from what appears to be a hospital bed. Rida in the video can be seen smiling as he says “You can hear a missile when it's flying at you”.

RT’s Editor-in-Chief, Margarita Simonyan, confirmed the incident in a public statement, saying “Our correspondent Steve Sweeney has been wounded by an Israeli strike in Lebanon.”

She added that both journalists were receiving medical attention, noting “Both men are conscious in hospital, doctors are diagnosing extent of shrapnel damage.”

Simonyan also spoke against the deliberate targeting of reporters, saying “War journalists are not legitimate targets. We pray for them.”

Russian foreign ministry questions Israel's intent behind strike

The incident quickly drew a response from Russian officials, who questioned whether the strike could be dismissed as accidental.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious concerns, arguing “It cannot be called accidental given the killing of two hundred journalists in Gaza.”

She further pointed out that the strike did not appear to hit any obvious military targets, adding “Especially since the rocket did not hit a ‘significant strategic military facility’, but rather the location where the report was being filmed.”

Zakharova said Russia is now “awaiting the response of international organizations” regarding the incident.

RT journalist Chay Bowes also reacted online, writing that Sweeney had come close to being killed and stressing that the crew’s identity was clear “Their vehicles are clearly marked as Press. They wear Press markings. He’s alive. What more can we say.”

Israel Defense Forces issue clarification

As the incident has intensified tensions and raised questions over press freedom and safety, Israel Defense Forces have issued a clarification on X.

In the post, IDF wrote “Prior to the strikes, warnings were published to ensure that civilians distance themselves from the crossings, in order to reduce civilian harm”.

“In footage released in the past few hours, a journalist is seen at the “Qasmiya” crossing. An explicit warning had been issued regarding this area”, IDF adds.

“The crossing was struck after sufficient time had passed since warnings. The IDF calls on the residents of Lebanon to heed the warnings published on various platforms. The IDF does not target civilians or journalists and operates in accordance with international law.”

 While the incident has triggered strong reactions from Russian officials, it also unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny surrounding RT itself.

RT ceased its US operations in 2022 and was later found to be indulged in “covert” activities.

The network, which operates under the influence of Vladimir Putin, has long faced criticism from Western governments. It is often accused of being a vehicle for state-backed messaging and disinformation.