UNIFIL confirms five peacekeepers wounded in southern Lebanon drone strike

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has issued a statement Thursday detailing an incident in which a convoy of newly-arrived peacekeepers came under a nearby drone strike while passing Saida in southern Lebanon.

The attack, which occurred in the afternoon, resulted in minor injuries for five peacekeepers, who received immediate treatment from the Lebanese Red Cross at the scene and are expected to continue on to their assigned posts.

The Lebanese Army, stationed at a nearby checkpoint, also confirmed that three of its soldiers sustained injuries in the strike. Both UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army refrained from commenting on the drone’s origin or the intended target, though tensions in the area have heightened following a series of recent escalations involving armed groups.

UNIFIL’s statement strongly urged all parties to prioritize the safety of both peacekeepers and civilians, noting that “all actors are obligated to avoid actions putting peacekeepers or civilians in danger.” The organization emphasized that “differences should be resolved at the negotiating table, not through violence.”

The statement reads: “This afternoon, a UNIFIL convoy bringing newly-arrived peacekeepers to south Lebanon was passing Saida when a drone strike occurred nearby. Five peacekeepers were lightly injured and treated by the Lebanese Red Cross on the spot. They will continue to their posts. The Lebanese Army also confirmed three of its soldiers at the nearby checkpoint were injured. We remind all actors of their obligation to avoid actions putting peacekeepers or civilians in danger. Differences should be resolved at the negotiating table, not through violence.”

The latest incident adds to rising concerns over the safety of both UN peacekeepers and local residents as security conditions in southern Lebanon deteriorate.