UN Peacekeeper Injured in Violent Attack During Convoy in Lebanon

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon reported that its outgoing deputy commander was injured during a violent attack on a convoy headed to Beirut airport, prompting condemnation from Lebanese authorities and calls for justice against the attackers.

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as Unifil, has reported that its outgoing deputy commander sustained injuries following a "violent attack" on one of its convoys. The incident occurred while the convoy was transporting peacekeepers to the airport, where one of its vehicles was set ablaze by assailants.

Protests had erupted earlier as demonstrators blocked access to the airport, fueled by the Lebanese government's prohibition against two Iranian aircraft attempting to land in Beirut. In response to the attack, both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the military expressed their condemnation and pledged efforts to apprehend the culprits.

Footage circulating on social media captures graphic scenes of the assault, revealing a white UN vehicle engulfed in flames as a group of young men brandishing yellow flags pursued and assaulted fleeing peacekeepers. Additional clips show further violence inflicted upon a convoy of three UN vehicles in a darkened area.

Unifil's statement highlighted their shock at the "outrageous attack" on peacekeepers who are dedicated to fostering security and stability in the region. It condemned such actions as serious violations of international law, urging Lebanese authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and hold the attackers accountable.

President Aoun condemned the ambush as "unacceptable," pledging that security forces would take a hardline stance against any group attempting to disrupt civil peace in Lebanon.

Tensions have escalated near Beirut's airport where Hezbollah supporters have rallied in protest of the Iranian flight situation. Since the ban, numerous Lebanese citizens have found themselves stranded in Iran. The airline restrictions came after allegations from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that Iran's Quds Force was involved in smuggling funds to arm Hezbollah through international flights.

Hezbollah's ally, the Amal movement, remarked that the attack on Unifil signifies a direct assault on southern Lebanon, branding it a threat to civil peace. Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar indicated he would convene a security meeting regarding the attack, labeling it as a "crime against peacekeeping forces." Unifil continues to play a vital role in monitoring the buffer zone established following the 2006 Lebanon war and maintains various positions throughout southern Lebanon.