A convoy of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was attacked near Beirut Airport, injuring a departing deputy chief. According to a report by Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera, Major-General Chak Bahadur Dhakal was injured in the attack on Friday (February 14) while departing Beirut for Nepal after completing his mission in Lebanon. The convoy was transporting peacekeepers to Beirut Airport when it came under attack, and one of their vehicles was set on fire.
In a statement, UNIFIL called on Lebanese authorities to conduct a “full and immediate investigation into the attack.
Lebanese authorities have decided to halt Iranian flights to Beirut following accusations from Israel, which claims that Iran was using civilian flights to smuggle supplies to Hezbollah illegally, Al Jazeera reports.
In protest of this decision, demonstrators blocked roads leading to Lebanon’s only airport for the second consecutive day on Friday. It was during these protests that the attack on the UN convoy occurred.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the Lebanese Army condemned the attack on UNIFIL, pledging to arrest those responsible. Videos circulating online show a UN vehicle engulfed in flames while a group of young men, carrying yellow flags, chase peacekeepers.
In a statement, UNIFIL expressed shock over the heinous attack on its peacekeepers, who were working to restore security and stability in southern Lebanon during challenging times.
The statement further emphasized that attacks on peacekeepers are a clear violation of international law and could be considered a war crime. UNIFIL has urged Lebanese authorities to conduct a full, immediate investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar described the attack as a “crime against peacekeeping forces” in a state media address. In response, he announced plans to convene a security meeting on Saturday.
LND/SAKIB
