A senior United Nations peacekeeper was injured after a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy was violently attacked. The incident took place while peacekeepers were traveling to Beirut airport, with one of the vehicles being set on fire.
Protesters Block Beirut Airport Road
The attack comes amid rising tensions, as protesters blocked the road leading to Beirut airport. The unrest followed a Lebanese government decision to bar two Iranian planes from landing. The situation escalated, leading to the violent confrontation with UN peacekeepers.
Lebanese Government Condemns Attack
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the country’s army condemned the attack, vowing to take action against those responsible. Security forces have been ordered to investigate and arrest the perpetrators involved in the assault.
Video Evidence Shows Brutal Assault
Several videos circulating online show a white UN vehicle on fire, with a group of young men carrying yellow flags attacking and chasing the peacekeepers. Other footage shows protesters kicking, hitting, and climbing on UN vehicles in the dark.
UNIFIL Calls for Immediate Investigation
UNIFIL stated that the injured deputy commander was leaving his post at the end of his mission. The United Nations strongly condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law that could be classified as a war crime. The UN demanded a full investigation and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Hezbollah Supporters Protest Airport Decision
Supporters of Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group, gathered outside Beirut airport to protest the Lebanese government’s stance against Iranian planes. The decision has left many Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran.
Israel’s Accusations Against Iran
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) alleged that Iran’s Quds Force had been using commercial flights to smuggle money and weapons to arm Hezbollah. The IDF’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, confirmed ongoing discussions with the committee monitoring the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, while stating that some smuggling attempts may have succeeded.
Lebanese Officials Respond
The Amal Movement, allied with Hezbollah, called the attack on UNIFIL a threat to civil peace. Meanwhile, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar announced plans for a security meeting to address the attack, labeling it a crime against peacekeeping forces.
UNIFIL’s Role in Lebanon
UNIFIL was established to monitor the buffer zone near the Israel-Lebanon border after the 2006 Lebanon War. It continues to play a key role in ensuring stability in southern Lebanon.
The situation remains tense, with the Lebanese government, UN, and international community closely monitoring further developments.
