A senior member of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was injured and a UN vehicle set ablaze on Friday during an escalating protest by Hezbollah supporters in Beirut. The protests were sparked by the Lebanese government’s decision to block an Iranian passenger flight from landing in the capital, a move that has intensified tensions in the region.
The violence erupted as demonstrators, angered by the government’s revocation of the flight’s clearance, blocked roads leading to the Beirut airport. The UNIFIL convoy, en route to the airport, was attacked by protesters. The deputy commander of the peacekeeping force was injured in the incident, and one of the vehicles was set on fire. In response, the UN demanded an immediate and thorough investigation by Lebanese authorities, condemning the assault on peacekeepers who have worked for years to ensure stability in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL officials expressed shock over the attack, highlighting the difficult security situation in the region. The Lebanese army intervened to disperse the protesters and assured that efforts would be made to arrest those responsible for the violence. Acting Lebanese army commander, Maj. Gen. Hassan Odeh, reached out to UNIFIL, promising swift action to bring the assailants to justice.
The protests began after the Lebanese authorities revoked permission for an Iranian plane to land in Beirut on Thursday. The cancellation followed claims from Israel that Iran was using civilian flights to smuggle funds to Hezbollah. In response, Lebanon’s civil aviation agency imposed additional security measures, causing several flight reschedules through February 18, the deadline for the full implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
This recent flare-up reflects ongoing regional tensions, particularly between Hezbollah and Israel, and underscores the volatile security situation in Lebanon, which UNIFIL peacekeepers are tasked with stabilizing. The incident also highlights the challenges UN peacekeepers face while operating in an increasingly polarized and unstable region.
Picture of Injured members of the Malaysian Unifil peacekeeping force receive medical treatment following an Israeli strike in Sidon, Lebanon. (EPA Images pic) Via FMT CC BY 4.0
