UNIFIL spokesperson condemns attack on contingent in South Lebanon

BEIRUT — A spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Kandice Ardiel, condemned in a statement Wednesday an attack Tuesday night on UN soldiers in South Lebanon.

Here's what we know: 

    • "Last night, peacekeepers tasked with maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon were attacked by unidentified people. Their United Nations vehicles were vandalized and official items were stolen,” the statement said.

    • Contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, Kandice Ardiel specified that the soldiers attacked are members of the Hungarian contingent. “Contrary to information circulating, the peacekeepers were not taking pictures and were not on private property. They were on their way to meet their colleagues from the Lebanese armed forces to undertake a routine patrol,” Ardiel said.

    • “UNIFIL condemns the attacks against the men and women who work in the service of peace,” she said, adding that these attacks are violations of Lebanese and international law.

    • During his visit to Lebanon last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that UNIFIL should "enjoy total freedom of movement throughout its zone of operations in accordance with what the Lebanese government accepted.”

    • In her statement Ardiel also called on the Lebanese authorities to conduct a "rapid and comprehensive" investigation into what happened and "bring those responsible" to justice.

    • On Dec. 22, a similar incident occurred during a patrol by the Finnish contingent of UNIFIL, as it passed through the village of Chaqra. The patrol was reportedly stopped by the village's inhabitants. The Lebanese army intervened and protected UN soldiers.

    • Following the incident in Chaqra, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement that its Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib was following up the matter with Prime Minister Najib Mikati. "