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UN condemns attack on UNIFIL convoy near Beirut airport; two peacekeepers injured
Summary
The United Nations strongly condemned an attack on a UNIFIL convoy near Beirut airport in which two peacekeepers were injured and a vehicle was set ablaze; UNIFIL and Lebanese authorities have opened investigations, the spokesperson said.
The United Nations strongly condemned an attack on a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy near Beirut airport that injured two peacekeepers and destroyed one vehicle, the UN said.
The incident matters because attacks on UN peacekeepers endanger personnel and can undermine peacekeeping operations and local stability in southern Lebanon.
The UN spokesperson said the convoy attack injured two UNIFIL peacekeepers, including the deputy force commander, Major General Chuck Dakal, who was ending his tour of duty. Both were taken to hospital, released the following day, and Major General Dakal has since returned to Nepal. Other peacekeepers involved were able to return safely to their base, the briefing said.
The government of Lebanon has opened an investigation into the attack "to bring the perpetrators to justice," the spokesperson said, and UNIFIL has launched its own inquiry into the circumstances. The briefing stressed that attacks on UN personnel and property are violations of international law and are unacceptable.
The UN did not provide details on suspects or motives at the time of the briefing. Investigations by Lebanese authorities and UNIFIL are ongoing.
