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UNIFIL patrol attacked in South Lebanon, one soldier injured

UNIFIL patrol attacked in South Lebanon, one soldier injured

A UNIFIL armored convoy near Naqoura, in southern Lebanon, on Oct. 13, 2020. (Credit: Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP)

BEIRUT — The spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Andrea Tenenti said Tuesday that one of UNIFIL’s patrols was attacked west of the village of Ramyeh in South Lebanon. The attack resulted in the injury of one soldier.

Here’s what we know:

    • "Blue Helmets on routine patrol were attacked west of the village of Ramyeh in South Lebanon after their cars were intercepted," Tenenti said in a statement, adding that "one of the soldiers was injured."

    • He also said that the aggressors "attacked two UNIFIL vehicles and stole a number of objects," adding that "the Lebanese army was present on the scene and was able to eventually ease the tensions.”

    • The UNIFIL spokesperson also stressed that "the Blue Helmets were not on private property, but on a public road that they usually take," assuring that they were carrying out their duty "within the framework of Security Council resolution 1701 in order to maintain stability in southern Lebanon."

    • "Under resolution 1701, UNIFIL enjoys complete freedom of movement and the right to patrol in its area of operations," he added.

    • Security Council resolution 1701 resolution restored a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah after the war of 2006.

    • Tenenti also stressed the fact that "attacks against men and women in the service of peace constitute crimes according to Lebanese and international laws" and called on "the Lebanese authorities to investigate this crime and to prosecute those responsible."

    • Attacks against UNIFIL soldiers have become frequent during the passage of convoys in the South, a region considered a stronghold of Hezbollah. At the end of December, tensions arose between a UNIFIL patrol and residents of Shaqra, in Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon. This attack was deplored by the Lebanese Foreign Affairs Ministry, which opened an investigation.

    • The Lebanese government had not yet reacted to the incident on Tuesday. 

BEIRUT — The spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Andrea Tenenti said Tuesday that one of UNIFIL’s patrols was attacked west of the village of Ramyeh in South Lebanon. The attack resulted in the injury of one soldier.Here’s what we know:     • "Blue Helmets on routine patrol were attacked west of the village of Ramyeh in South Lebanon after their cars...