- UN peacekeeping convoy attacked in Lebanon, vehicle set on fire
- Injured deputy commander was en route to Beirut airport after ending mission
- Lebanese authorities condemn attack, pledge full investigation
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon has reported that its outgoing deputy commander was injured after a convoy carrying peacekeepers was “violently attacked.”
In a statement, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the convoy was en route to Beirut airport when it was targeted, with one of its vehicles set on fire. The mission has called for a “full and immediate” investigation by Lebanese authorities.
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Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the country’s army strongly condemned the attack, vowing to arrest those responsible.
Videos circulating online depict a white UN vehicle engulfed in flames, while a group of young men carrying yellow flags chase and assault what appear to be peacekeepers attempting to flee. Other footage shows men kicking, hitting, and climbing onto a convoy of three UN vehicles along a dark road.
Unifil stated that the injured deputy commander, whose name was not disclosed, had just completed his mission and was heading home.
“We are shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been working to restore security and stability to south Lebanon during a difficult time,” the statement read.
It added that “attacks on peacekeepers are flagrant violations of international law and may amount to war crimes.” Unifil urged Lebanese authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and bring all perpetrators to justice.
The attack comes amid tensions between Lebanon and Iran over two Iranian planes that were denied permission to land in Beirut, leaving dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Iran.
Supporters of Hezbollah have gathered outside Beirut airport since Thursday in protest over the incident.
The Amal movement, an ally of Hezbollah, condemned the attack on Unifil, calling it “a stab at civil peace” and an attack on southern Lebanon itself.
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Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar labeled the incident a “crime against peacekeeping forces” and announced a security meeting on Saturday to address the situation.
Unifil was established to monitor a buffer zone along Lebanon’s border with Israel following the 2006 Lebanon war and maintains multiple posts across southern Lebanon.
