The UN Interim Force in Lebanon announced that its outgoing deputy commander sustained injuries when a convoy was attacked and vehicles were set ablaze. The incident, occurring amid protests against the Lebanese government's ban on Iranian flights, raises concerns for peacekeeping efforts in the region.
UN Peacekeeper Injured in Attack Amid Rising Tensions in Lebanon
UN Peacekeeper Injured in Attack Amid Rising Tensions in Lebanon
A violent assault on a UN convoy in Lebanon leaves one peacekeeper injured, as protests against Iranian planes escalate.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) reported a harrowing incident where an outgoing deputy commander was injured after a violent attack on one of its convoys. This assault transpired while the convoy was en route to the Beirut airport, targeted by protesters who had blocked the road following the Lebanese government’s decision to prevent two Iranian planes from landing in the country.
Footage circulating on social media depicts a chaotic scene where a white UN vehicle was engulfed in flames, as groups of young men, brandishing yellow flags, pursued and assaulted peacekeepers attempting to escape. In another video, a convoy of three UN vehicles is shown under siege, as individuals kicked and climbed onto the vehicles, further escalating the violence.
Unifil expressed deep shock regarding this "outrageous attack" on personnel committed to restoring stability in south Lebanon during challenging circumstances. The UN emphasized that such assaults represent serious violations of international laws and could potentially constitute war crimes, calling for immediate investigations and accountability from Lebanese authorities.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack as "unacceptable," pledging that security forces would not tolerate actions that threaten civil peace. Following the blockade of the airport, tensions have heightened, driven by supporters of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah as they express dissatisfaction over the government's recent decisions regarding Iranian flights.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have accused Iran's Quds Force of utilizing international flights for illicit financial transactions aimed at arming Hezbollah, asserting that despite monitoring efforts, some smuggling operations have been successful.
The Amal movement, a Hezbollah ally, characterized the assault on Unifil as a direct attack on southern Lebanon and an affront to civil peace. In response to the situation, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar announced plans to hold a security conference on Saturday, urging an assertive approach against any actions threatening the peacekeeping mission. Unifil's presence remains vital, as it was instituted to oversee a buffer zone established after the 2006 Lebanon war, maintaining peace in the region amidst ongoing conflicts.
