Deputy Chief of UNIFIL’s Strategic Communication and Public Information Office, Kandice Ardiel, announced on Wednesday that UN peacekeepers were attacked last night in southern Lebanon.

“Last night, peacekeepers serving to maintain security and stability in south Lebanon were attacked by unknown perpetrators. Their UN vehicles were vandalized, and official items were stolen,” she said.

“Contrary to disinformation being spread, the peacekeepers were not taking photos and were not on private property. They were on their way to meet Lebanese Armed Forces colleagues for a routine patrol,” Ardiel clarified.

“UNIFIL condemns attacks on men and women serving the cause of peace, which are violations of both Lebanese and international law. UNIFIL also condemns actors who manipulate local residents into serving their purposes,” UNIFIL official added.

“As the UN Secretary-General noted during a recent visit to Lebanon, UNIFIL must have full and free access throughout its area of operations, as the Lebanese Government has agreed. As Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has stated, the government “does not accept any form of aggression against UNIFIL peacekeepers,” Ardiel noted.

“We call on the Lebanese authorities to investigate quickly and thoroughly, and prosecute all those responsible for these crimes,” she urged

Source: National News Agency