Beirut: UNIFIL peacekeepers came under fire on three separate occasions while conducting patrols around their bases in Yatar, Dayr Kifa, and Qallawiyah. The incidents involved likely attacks by non-state armed groups, posing a serious threat to the safety and security of the peacekeepers.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the first incident in Yatar saw gunfire striking as close as five metres from the peacekeepers. In the other two incidents, the gunfire originated from distances of about 100 and 200 metres, respectively. In response, two patrols returned fire in self-defence, allowing them to resume their planned activities without any injuries to the peacekeepers.
The statement issued by UNIFIL highlights that the presence of weapons outside State control in their area of operations violates Security Council Resolution 1701. The statement stresses the unacceptability of targeting peacekeepers who are performing Security Council-mandated tasks.
UNIFIL strongly reminded all actors of their obligations under international law to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel at all times. The statement also urged all necessary measures to prevent harm to civilians. Any attack on UNIFIL peacekeepers constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Resolution 1701, and such acts may amount to a war crime.