Attack on UNIFIL in Ghandourieh: French peacekeeper succumbs to injuries

BEIRUT — A second French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) died Wednesday "from his injuries" sustained in Lebanon "by Hezbollah fighters" in "the same ambush" that killed Chief Warrant Officer Florian Montorio on Saturday, President Emmanuel Macron announced.

On Saturday, a French UNIFIL soldier was killed and three others wounded in an ambush by armed elements in southern Lebanon, while a French contingent patrol was inspecting a minefield in Ghandourieh, in the Bint Jbeil district. One of the wounded, Chief Corporal Anicet Girardin, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. French authorities immediately pointed to Hezbollah, which denies the accusations.

"Chief Corporal Anicet Girardin of the 132nd Cynotechnic Infantry Regiment of Suippes, evacuated yesterday from Lebanon where he was seriously wounded by Hezbollah fighters, died this morning from his injuries," the French president said on X.

"He died for France. The nation, which will pay tribute tomorrow to Chief Warrant Officer Florian Montorio who was fatally wounded during the same ambush, emotionally salutes the memory of Chief Corporal Anicet Girardin and his sacrifice," he added, also extending "his deepest sympathy" to his loved ones and to those of the other wounded. The head of state also paid "tribute to the exemplary dedication of our armed forces within UNIFIL, who work with courage and determination in the service of France and peace in Lebanon."