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Maj. (Res.) Vladimir Loza of Ashkelon Killed in Southern Gaza

The IDF has confirmed that Major (Res.) Vladimir Loza, a 36-year-old soldier from Ashkelon, was killed in combat in the southern Gaza Strip. Loza served in Battalion 7020. The incident took place around 7:00 p.m. in the Jenina neighborhood of Rafah. A unit from the IDF’s 5th Brigade was conducting operations in the area, preparing to destroy underground tunnels and demolish buildings. At one point, members of the unit entered a structure. One of the soldiers picked something up from the floor, triggering an explosive device that detonated near the troops. The explosion caused part of the building to collapse on them. One soldier was killed, and two others sustained minor injuries. The military is continuing to investigate the incident.