Two UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed and two injured in an explosion near Bani Hayyan in south Lebanon. This is the second fatal incident for the mission in 24 hours. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blast.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Monday (local time) confirmed that two of its peacekeepers were killed and two others injured after an explosion of unknown origin struck their vehicle in south Lebanon.
According to a statement issued by UNIFIL, the incident occurred near Bani Hayyan in Southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of two peacekeepers, while a third one sustained severe injuries and a fourth one was also wounded. This is the second fatal incident involving the mission’s personnel in the past 24 hours. UNIFIL stated that no one should have to lose their life while serving the cause of peace. “Two UNIFIL peacekeepers were tragically killed in south Lebanon today, when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan. A third peacekeeper was severely injured, and a fourth was also hurt. This is the second fatal incident in the last 24 hours. We reiterate that no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace,” the statement read.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of those brave peacekeepers who gave their lives in service of peace,” it added.
UNIFIL Launches Investigation
The mission said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion and also expressed hope for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident. UNIFIL reiterated the urgent need for all parties to comply with international law and ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and property and stressed that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and breach obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, potentially amounting to war crimes.
“The human cost of this conflict is far too high. The violence, as we have said before, must end,” the statement added. This incident comes moments after a United Nations peacekeeper was killed and another critically injured after a projectile struck a UNIFIL position near Adchit Al Qusayr in southern Lebanon. In a statement, the UNIFIL stated that the origin of the projectile remains unknown, and an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
IDF to Review Incidents
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday said it is reviewing reports of the two separate incidents involving personnel from the UNIFIL in southern Lebanon over the past two days. In a statement on Telegram, the IDF said the incidents are being “thoroughly reviewed” to determine the circumstances and assess whether they were the result of actions by Hezbollah or IDF operations.
“The incidents are being thoroughly reviewed in order to clarify the circumstances and determine whether they resulted from Hezbollah activity or from IDF activity,” the statement read.
The military noted that the incidents occurred in an active combat zone and cautioned against drawing conclusions regarding responsibility. “It should be noted these incidents occurred in an active combat area. Therefore, it should not be assumed that incidents in which UNIFIL soldiers were harmed were caused by the IDF,” it added.
The IDF reiterated that its operations are directed against Hezbollah and not against UN peacekeepers, the Lebanese Armed Forces, or civilians. (ANI)
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