A United Nations convoy faced a violent attack in Lebanon, leaving the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) and international communities in shock. The convoy, en route to Beirut airport, was targeted while transporting peacekeepers. The assault resulted in the torching of a UN vehicle and injuries to Unifil's outgoing deputy commander, who was concluding his mission. This attack unfolded as a group of young men, brandishing yellow flags, aggressively pursued and assaulted the peacekeepers.
The incident coincided with tensions at Beirut airport after the Lebanese government barred two Iranian planes from landing. The stand-off led to supporters of Hezbollah gathering outside the airport in protest. In response, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar condemned the attack, labeling it a "crime against peacekeeping forces," and a security meeting was convened to address the violence.
"We are shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been serving to restore security and stability to south Lebanon during a difficult time." – United Nations
Unifil was established to monitor a buffer zone near the Israeli border following the 2006 Lebanon war. The Israeli Defense Forces have accused Iran's Quds Force of funneling funds through international flights to arm Hezbollah, further escalating regional tensions. The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, denounced the assault and pledged collaboration with the army to apprehend those responsible.
"Attacks on peacekeepers are flagrant violations of international law and may amount to war crimes. We demand a full and immediate investigation by Lebanese authorities and for all perpetrators to be brought to justice." – United Nations
The attack reverberated across Lebanon, leaving dozens of Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran due to measures enacted by the Lebanese government. The Amal movement, allied with Hezbollah, criticized the attack as "a stab at civil peace," adding that it undermined stability in southern Lebanon.
"The attack on Unifil is an attack on southern Lebanon", and described it as "a stab at civil peace." – Amal movement
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