Washington, DC – The United States on Friday expressed strong condemnation of an attack on a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy near Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport that resulted in a senior UN peacekeeper being injured. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the violent attack on the convoy by a group of Hezbollah supporters led to multiple injuries among UN peacekeepers.
Bruce commended the Lebanese Armed Forces for their prompt response in preventing further violence and praised the Lebanese government for its commitment to holding those responsible for the attack accountable. She also extended wishes for a speedy recovery to all those affected by the incident.
The attack occurred near the airport, where UN peacekeepers were met by protesters who set a UNIFIL vehicle on fire. UNIFIL confirmed the incident in a statement, mentioning that the outgoing Deputy Force Commander, who was returning home after completing his mission, was among the injured.
Tensions escalated following Lebanon’s decision to allow an Iranian plane to land at the airport, leading to protests by Hezbollah supporters who blocked the main road to the airport. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee alleged that Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force exploited civilian flights at the airport to smuggle funds for arming the Lebanese resistance group.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that assaults on peacekeepers violate international law. UNIFIL operates under Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, which mandates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and establishes a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River, with exceptions for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining peace and stability in the region, highlighting the complexities surrounding international efforts to promote security in Lebanon. The attack serves as a reminder of the risks faced by UN peacekeepers deployed in volatile areas, and the importance of upholding respect for global agreements aimed at preserving peace and security.