UN Peacekeeper Injured Amid Convoy Attack in Lebanon as Tensions Rise

An outgoing deputy commander of the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon was injured during a violent convoy attack linked to protests against Iranian planes barred from landing in Beirut. Lebanese authorities condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for justice and security.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) has reported an alarming incident in which its outgoing deputy commander sustained injuries when a convoy came under violent attack. The attack occurred while the convoy was en route to Beirut airport, prompting international concern and condemnation, particularly as one of the vehicles was set on fire.

The attack follows protests from supporters of Hezbollah outside the airport, triggered by the Lebanese government's decision to prevent two Iranian planes from landing, a move that has left numerous Lebanese nationals stranded in Iran. The ongoing situation reflects rising tensions in the region, particularly with claims made by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that Iran’s Quds Force has been allegedly using international flights to smuggle funds intended for arming Hezbollah.

Unifil's statement condemned the attack, labelling it a grave violation of international law, and called for an immediate investigation by Lebanese authorities, insisting that those responsible be held accountable. Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the attack as "unacceptable" and assured that security forces would take strict action against any attempts to disrupt civil peace.

Witnesses captured videos of the attack, which showed groups of young men assaulting UN personnel as they attempted to escape the chaos. The Lebanese Interior Minister, Ahmed Al-Hajjar, announced plans to convene a security meeting, emphasizing the act as a crime against peacekeeping efforts.

The presence of Unifil, which was established to monitor a buffer zone following the 2006 Lebanon war, remains critical in maintaining stability in southern Lebanon, where tensions often escalate due to regional conflicts and actions by armed groups. The situation continues to evolve, with both national and international stakeholders monitoring developments closely.