An attack on a UN convoy in Lebanon resulted in injuries to the deputy commander of the mission, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for accountability.
UN Peacekeeper Injured in Disturbing Convoy Attack in Lebanon
UN Peacekeeper Injured in Disturbing Convoy Attack in Lebanon
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon condemns violent assault on peacekeepers as calls for investigation grow.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) reported a concerning incident where its outgoing deputy commander sustained injuries after a violent attack on a convoy designated for transporting peacekeepers to Beirut airport. According to Unifil, the convoy was ambushed, resulting in one of the vehicles being set ablaze. The organization has urgently requested a thorough and immediate investigation into the assault by Lebanese authorities.
Both Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the Lebanese military have condemned the assault on Unifil and pledged to apprehend those responsible for the violence. Eyewitness videos circulating social media depict chaos as a group of men, carrying yellow flags, chased and assaulted peacekeepers attempting to escape the scene. Additional footage captured individuals hurling projectiles and climbing on several UN vehicles in a darkened area.
In a statement, Unifil expressed deep shock over what it termed an "outrageous attack" on personnel dedicated to maintaining security and stability in south Lebanon during turbulent times. The mission emphasized that such attacks on peacekeeping forces are severe violations of international law, potentially categorizing them as war crimes. Unifil demands a complete investigation and justice for those responsible.
The incident arises during a period of heightened tension, as supporters of the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah congregated near Beirut's airport in protest over the prevention of two Iranian aircraft from landing due to diplomatic disputes with Iran. This situation has left numerous Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran.
The Amal movement, an ally of Hezbollah, characterized the assault on Unifil as not just an attack on peacekeepers but a challenge to the civil peace in southern Lebanon. Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar announced plans for a security meeting set for Saturday, denouncing the attack as a "crime against peacekeeping forces." Unifil, established to oversee a buffer zone near the Israel-Lebanon border post-2006 war, maintains operational posts throughout the southern region.
