Lebanese authorities have arrested over 25 individuals following an attack on a United Nations convoy on Friday, which left two peacekeepers wounded, including the outgoing deputy commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The assault came as tensions escalated in the country, with Hizbollah supporters blocking the road to Beirut’s international airport for the second consecutive night in protest over a decision barring two Iranian planes from landing.
Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar confirmed the arrests, noting that while they were not yet clear on who carried out the attack, investigations were ongoing. The army and security agencies have vowed to increase security measures to prevent further unrest, with violations treated seriously. “This does not mean these detainees carried out the attack… but the investigations will show who is responsible,” said Minister Hajjar during a security meeting on Saturday.
The attack, which resulted in one of the UNIFIL vehicles being set on fire, left outgoing deputy commander Chok Bahadur Dhakal, a Nepalese national, injured. Another Nepalese peacekeeper was also wounded and hospitalized. The UN has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, demanding accountability for those responsible.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, pledging that those responsible would face justice. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also strongly denounced the assault, vowing swift action to apprehend the perpetrators. These developments come amid growing tensions in Lebanon, with various factions expressing discontent over the political situation and foreign influence.
The attack has further strained Lebanon’s fragile stability, prompting both Lebanese officials and UN representatives to call for increased security and a concerted effort to maintain peace in the region.
References:
- Jordan Times
- UNIFIL
