ISTANBUL

A UN peacekeeper was injured in an overnight attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) position in southern Lebanon, which also resulted in fire, an official said Saturday.

UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said in a statement that “one of our positions near Meiss ej Jebel was hit, likely by heavy machine gun fire.”

She added that “the impact caused a fire, and one peacekeeper on his way to the shelter was lightly injured.”

Ardiel said the UNIFIL has launched an investigation into the incident.

She also reminded all parties of their responsibilities, saying: "We remind all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers at all times.”

The Lebanese group Hezbollah began targeting Israeli military sites on March 2 in response to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran that killed then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, as well as Israeli attacks on Lebanon, despite a ceasefire reached in November 2024.

Israel expanded its campaign the same day with airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut and areas in southern and eastern Lebanon.

On March 3, Israel also launched a limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon, along with the ongoing joint military campaign with the US against Iran that started on Feb 28.​​​​​​​