United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has announced that one of its patrols came under gunfire in southern Lebanon, but did not identify those responsible for the attack.
Al Jazeera reported early Wednesday, November 11, that UNIFIL described the shooting at its personnel as a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
According to the report, UNIFIL said that “approximately 12 rounds” were fired at the patrol near Wadi Jilo, in Lebanon’s Tyre District.
UNIFIL said that the patrol members returned fire, after which the shooting stopped. However, the force called for an investigation into the incident.
The peacekeeping force stressed: “Deliberate attacks against peacekeepers constitute a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and international humanitarian law.”
The shooting comes as the future of the force remains uncertain.
Last year, the United Nations Security Council voted, under pressure from the United States, to end UNIFIL’s mandate on December 31, 2026, although Lebanese officials have called for the mission to be extended.
It is worth noting that UNIFIL has approximately 7,500 troops from nearly 50 countries around the world.
