UN peacekeepers sustained injuries from a rocket attack in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, according to the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL).
In a statement, UNIFIL confirmed that a rocket struck its headquarters in Naqoura, igniting a fire in a vehicle workshop. “Some peacekeepers suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured,” the statement read, noting that an investigation has been initiated.
The nationalities of the injured peacekeepers were not disclosed. UNIFIL suggested that the rocket was likely launched by Hezbollah or an associated group.
“We remind Hezbollah and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property. Any deliberate attack on them is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Resolution 1701,” the statement continued.
UNIFIL is stationed between the Litani River in southern Lebanon and the Blue Line, which serves as the border with Israel. Its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is to maintain security in the region.
The situation in Lebanon has escalated recently, with Israel conducting extensive airstrikes targeting what it claims are Hezbollah positions. This comes as ongoing cross-border tensions have resulted in over 2,700 deaths and nearly 12,500 injuries in Lebanon since October of last year, as reported by Lebanese health authorities.
Israel intensified the conflict on October 1 by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon.