Stacy
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned a deadly assault against one of its convoys attacks where a deputy commander had some injuries. The incident took place when the peacekeepers were on their way to the airport and had their convoy blocked by demonstrators who proceeded to set one of their buses ablaze.
As reported by UNIFIL, a convoy on its way to Beirut airport suffered from a violent attack where multiple peacekeepers were assaulted. Peacekeepers attending the protests were set upon by a mob of invaders with yellow flags. Videos circulating on social media show a group of young men, some with yellow flags, setting a white UN car on fire and beating the peacekeepers as they try to escape. Further footage captures members of the mob kicking, beating, and jumping onto the UN vehicles on an unlit street.
In a statement, UNIFIL pointed out that they were “shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been serving to restore security and stability to south Lebanon.” This was described by the organization as dismissing “Common Article 2 to the Geneva Conventions,” and argued that in all likelihood these acts equate to war crimes. They have demanded that all Lebanese officials make an effort to identify the offenders and ensure that they face punishment.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the attack “unacceptable” and condemned it vehemently, stating that security forces would not permit any actions that would jeopardize civil peace. The Lebanese army equally condemned the assault and vowed to pursue and apprehend the perpetrators.
The attack follows Lebanon’s recent decision to bar two Iranian planes from landing in Beirut, triggering protests by Hezbollah supporters. The ban was implemented after Israel accused Iran’s Quds Force of using commercial flights to smuggle funds for Hezbollah. As a result, dozens of Lebanese citizens remain stranded in Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it had been monitoring alleged smuggling operations and was in contact with the UN committee overseeing the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite preventive measures, the IDF claimed some smuggling attempts had succeeded.
The Amal Movement, a Hezbollah ally, condemned the attack on UNIFIL as “a stab at civil peace.” Meanwhile, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar announced an emergency security meeting to address the situation, calling it a “crime against peacekeeping forces.”
UNIFIL was established to monitor a buffer zone along the Israeli border following the 2006 Lebanon war and maintains multiple posts across southern Lebanon.
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Kathy
Olivia
