Lebanon condemns attack on UN convoy, vows to bring perpetrators to justice
Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun has condemned an attack on a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy in Beirut on Saturday, vowing that security forces will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country.
The attack, which occurred on Friday night, injured UNIFIL’s outgoing deputy force commander, Chok Bahadur Dhakal, as he was being transported to the airport.
The incident took place amid ongoing protests by Hezbollah supporters, who have blocked the road to Beirut’s only airport for two consecutive nights.
The protests were sparked by a decision to bar two Iranian planes from landing in Lebanon. During the attack, a UNIFIL vehicle was set on fire, prompting widespread condemnation from Lebanese officials and the international community.
In a statement, UNIFIL called for a full and immediate investigation by Lebanese authorities, urging that all perpetrators be held accountable.
The Lebanese army pledged to take firm action against those responsible, while Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar convened an emergency meeting of the Central Internal Security Council on Saturday.
Hajjar visited the injured UNIFIL officers in the hospital and reiterated the Lebanese government’s rejection of the attack.
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert described the incident as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that such violence threatens the safety of UN staff who work tirelessly to maintain stability in Lebanon.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the “criminal attack” during discussions with Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lazaro, promising to arrest those responsible.
