UNIFIL Reports Injuries Amid Crossfire in Lebanon
The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, reported on Thursday that its headquarters in Naqoura and several nearby positions have come under repeated fire, resulting in injuries to two peacekeepers. While the identities of the injured personnel have not been disclosed, it has been assured that their conditions are not serious. The injuries appeared to have been caused by an Israeli projectile, following recent strikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the positions occupied by these international peacekeepers.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, UNIFIL clarified that the injured personnel were stationed at a watchtower of the central headquarters when they were directly hit by fire from an Israeli tank. Although they endured significant impact, their injuries are classified as non-life-threatening, and they remain hospitalized as a precaution.
UNIFIL emphasized that any intentional attack against peacekeeping personnel constitutes a severe violation of International Humanitarian Law, underscoring the grave implications of such crossfire amidst ongoing tension in the region.
Among the UN troops stationed in Lebanon, a contingent of 650 Spanish soldiers is actively involved in monitoring operations along the so-called Blue Line, which serves as the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon. The UN mandate aims to oversee the ceasefire between the conflicting parties, although violations are frequently reported.
Since its inception in 2006, Spanish forces have formed a critical part of UNIFIL, currently led by Spanish Major General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, who took command in February 2022 and will continue until February 2025. The UNIFIL mission, which comprises a total of 10,058 personnel from 50 countries, is divided into two sectors: the Eastern sector, directed by Spain, and the Western sector, under Italian command.
In the Eastern sector, Spanish troops operate from the Miguel de Cervantes base near Marjayoun, and they are also present at the mission headquarters in Naqoura, where the recent incident occurred. These troops are instrumental in planning and executing UNIFIL operations aimed at preventing potential escalations of conflict and ensuring that both adversaries adhere to the ceasefire.
The ongoing engagement of Spanish soldiers in Lebanon highlights the international commitment to fostering regional stability and peace, despite the challenges posed by ongoing violence in the area.
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