Attack on UNIFIL peacekeeping force in Lebanon

(CLO) The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said a rocket, possibly fired by Hezbollah or an affiliated group, hit its headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, injuring eight soldiers.

“A rocket hit the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, setting fire to the vehicle repair shop,” the force said in a statement on Tuesday. It also said the rocket “was fired from the north of the UNIFIL headquarters, possibly by Hezbollah or an affiliated group.”

The Austrian Defense Ministry said eight Austrian soldiers were injured in the attack, but none were seriously injured. "We strongly condemn this attack and demand an immediate investigation," Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner said.

Austria currently has about 180 soldiers participating in the UNIFIL force, whose tasks include providing logistical support, transporting goods, repairing vehicles and supplying fuel.

UNIFIL positions have been attacked at least 20 times since Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon began in early October. Photo: Karamallah Daher/Reuters

UNIFIL has come under constant attack since Israel launched ground operations in southern Lebanon in early October. The Israeli government has demanded that UNIFIL withdraw from the area, but the UN insists it will continue its mission.

In the border area, fighting is still fierce between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli soldiers, especially after Israeli airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley killed more than 60 people, according to Lebanese officials.

A statement from the Israeli military on Tuesday said it had destroyed a Hezbollah “command centre” and an explosives bunker in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah meanwhile confirmed it had fired rockets and artillery at Israeli forces in the southern town of Khiam.

Hezbollah has announced that Naim Qassem will succeed Hassan Nasrallah as leader of the movement. The decision, according to political analyst Ali Rizk, shows that Hezbollah is rebuilding after the loss of many key leaders, and sends a message that there is no leadership shortage in the organization.

Cao Phong (according to Al Jazeera)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tam-quan-nhan-ao-bi-thuong-trong-vu-luc-luong-hoa-binh-lien-hop-quoc-bi-tan-cong-post319116.html