Two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon on Monday when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle, the UN agency responsible for peacekeeping in the area has reported.
A third peacekeeper suffered severe injuries, and a fourth was also hurt in the explosion, according to a statement from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).
This incident comes just a day after another Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile, also of unknown origin, exploded in Adchit Al Qusayr, highlighting the increasing danger faced by UN personnel in the region.
Unifil has announced that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding both fatal incidents.
The deaths come amidst heightened military action from Israel, which recently declared it would intensify ground and air attacks against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, following their rocket attacks into Israel in response to ongoing US-Israeli operations against Iran.
Unifil expressed its condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased peacekeepers, emphasizing that all parties must ensure the safety of UN personnel under international law. The agency condemned any deliberate attacks on peacekeepers, asserting that such actions are grave violations of humanitarian law and reiterated the need to end the violence that continues to plague the region.
Unifil, established in 1978, operates as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon, monitoring the Blue Line which serves as the de facto border. Over the course of its mission, 339 peacekeepers have lost their lives. Despite a ceasefire in November 2024, hostilities have persisted, leading to significant civilian casualties in Lebanon.
