Related videos:
Two Indonesian soldiers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed on Monday in two separate attacks in the southern part of the country, within less than 24 hours, in an escalation that exacerbates the already critical situation of the peacekeeping forces deployed in the area.
The first of the attacks occurred in the early hours of Sunday, when a projectile exploded at a UNIFIL position near the town of Adchit Al-Qusayr, in the Marjayoun district in southeastern Lebanon, resulting in one Indonesian peacekeeper dead and another severely injured, who was evacuated to Beirut in critical condition.
Hours later, during the morning of this Monday, the first vehicle of a UN convoy was hit in a second attack, resulting in the death of a second Indonesian soldier.
Both deceased belong to the eastern sector brigade of UNIFIL, under the command of Spanish General Antonio Bernal Martín.
The Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, confirmed the two deaths in statements to the press and expressed "great concern" for the safety of the contingent in the area.
"Additionally, following the attack yesterday in which one Indonesian soldier was killed and another seriously injured, just a few minutes ago there was another attack on a convoy resulting in the death of a second Indonesian soldier," stated the minister, who warned that it will be necessary to hold accountable those responsible for what has occurred.
"Early yesterday morning, a new red line was crossed in Lebanon. One UN blue helmet was killed in this attack, and three others were injured. Spain strongly condemns these actions. It demands clarification on the origin of the projectile and calls on the Israeli government to halt hostilities," wrote Spanish President Pedro Sánchez on X while reporting on the death of the first blue helmet.
"The attacks on UN peacekeeping missions are an unjustifiable aggression against the entire international community. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and to all the personnel of UNIFIL," he added.
The UN Secretary-General, the Portuguese António Guterres, also emphatically condemned the incident.
"I strongly condemn the incident on Sunday during which an Indonesian blue helmet from @UNIFIL was killed amid the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Another Indonesian blue helmet was seriously injured in the same incident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen blue helmet and to Indonesia. I wish a swift and full recovery to the injured blue helmet," he wrote on X.
"This is just one of several recent incidents that have put the safety of blue helmets at risk. I call on everyone to fulfill their obligations under international law and ensure the safety of @UN personnel and property at all times," he added.
The international community has emphasized that deliberate attacks against peacekeeping forces constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Filed under: