UN Peacekeeping Forces in Lebanon Attacked, Two Indonesian Peacekeepers Killed
On March 30, Xinhua News Agency reported from Beirut (reporters Cao Changhao and Shen Feng) that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that one of its vehicles was destroyed by an "unknown explosion" near Bani Hayyan in southern Lebanon on the same day, resulting in the deaths of two peacekeepers and injuries to two others, one of whom is in serious condition.
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said that the fallen peacekeepers were from Indonesia.
This marks the second time in less than 24 hours that UNIFIL has suffered casualties. Earlier that day, a shell landed on a UNIFIL position in a village in southern Lebanon, resulting in one peacekeeper dead and another seriously injured.
Since the resurgence of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel in early March, UNIFIL has been attacked multiple times.
On March 30, UNIFIL reiterated the urgent need for all parties involved to fulfill their obligations under international law, ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times, including avoiding any actions that could endanger peacekeepers. Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, and may constitute a war crime.
A UN peacekeeping convoy was attacked by an unknown explosion near Bani Hayyan, Lebanon, on March 30, 2023, resulting in the deaths of two Indonesian peacekeepers and injuries to two others. This incident marks the second attack on UNIFIL personnel within 24 hours, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
- Two Indonesian peacekeepers killed in an explosion near Bani Hayyan, Lebanon.
- Two additional peacekeepers were injured, one severely.
- This incident follows another attack on UNIFIL personnel within 24 hours.
- The UN emphasizes the need for all parties to ensure the safety of UN personnel.