In Lebanon, UN deplores targeted explosion that injures five peacekeepers
9 December 2011 – Five United Nations peacekeepers serving in Lebanon have been injured after an explosion targeted at their vehicle in the country’s south earlier today – the third such attack this year.
A vehicle with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was travelling on the southern outskirts of the port city of Tyre when it was directly targeted, according to a press statement released by the mission.
The injured peacekeepers were treated at the scene and later evacuated for further medical care.
UNIFIL said its forensics and investigation teams are currently working with their Lebanese military counterparts to probe the facts and circumstances surrounding the attack.
The mission’s Force Commander Major-General Albert Asarta Cuevas strongly condemned the attack, which follows the targeting of two UNIFIL logistics convoys by roadside bombs in May and July.
“This vile and despicable act not only aims to cause harm to the peacekeepers, but also to undermine the stability and peace that have been prevailing in the south,” he said.
Major-General Asarta Cuevas said the attack would not deter UNIFIL from carrying out its mandate and stressed it was vital that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
The mission, which has been operating since 1978, currently has just over 12,000 peacekeepers from 35 countries deployed in Lebanon.
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