UN peacekeepers injured in rocket attack in southern Lebanon

ISTANBUL

UN peacekeepers were injured in a rocket attack in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) said.

In a statement, UNIFIL said a rocket hit its headquarters in Naqoura, setting a vehicle workshop on fire.

“Some peacekeepers suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured,” it said, adding that an investigation was launched into the incident.

The nationalities of the injured peacekeepers were not specified.

UNIFIL said the rocket was likely fired by “Hezbollah” or an affiliated group.

“We remind Hezbollah and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property. Any deliberate attack on them is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Resolution 1701,” it added.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah on the report.

UNIFIL operates between the Litani River in southern Lebanon and the Blue Line, which serves as the border with Israel, as part of its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to maintain security in the region.

Israel has mounted a massive air campaign in Lebanon since last month against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in an escalation from a year of cross-border warfare between Israel and the group since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on Gaza.

Over 2,700 people have been killed and nearly 12,500 injured in Israeli attacks since October last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict on Oct. 1 this year by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon.