UNIFIL Patrols Shot at in Southern Lebanon, No Casualties Reported
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced that on Friday, two patrols of its forces near the Kafr Shuba area in southern Lebanon came under gunfire; despite the intensity of the incident, no casualties or material damage were reported.
According to information provided by UNIFIL, in the first incident, about 15 rounds from light weapons were fired at one of the patrols from a distance of less than 50 meters. Less than 20 minutes later, a second patrol in the same area faced approximately 100 rounds fired from heavier weapons.
UNIFIL has speculated that the source of the gunfire was from the Israeli army side in southern “Blue Line”; a line recognized by the United Nations as the official border between Lebanon and Israel. The forces stated they have called for the immediate cessation of these actions through their official communication channels.
According to UNIFIL, the Israeli military was previously aware of the presence and operations of peacekeeping patrols in these sensitive areas. Expressing concern about the recurrence of such incidents, UNIFIL described it as a worrying phenomenon and emphasized that any attack on peacekeeping forces or their surroundings constitutes a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
UNIFIL has once again called on the Israeli army to stop aggressive behaviors and attacks against peacekeepers and to adhere to its commitments to maintaining peace and stability along the Blue Line.
