Two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed on Monday by a roadside explosion in southern Lebanon, according to UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who cited findings from an initial investigation.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) stated that the source of the explosion is unknown and it destroyed the peacekeepers' vehicle near Bani Hayyan.
A third peacekeeper was severely injured, and another was hurt in the explosion.
This incident follows just hours after another peacekeeper, also of Indonesian nationality, was killed by a projective explosion in Adchit Al Qusayr, southern Lebanon.
Unifil has commenced investigations into both incidents.
The initial findings indicate a roadside explosion struck the convoy, with subsequent statements suggesting that an IED (improvised explosive device) likely caused the fatalities.
Following the Tuesday incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed their operations in southern Lebanon aimed at enhancing security and stated that the explosion near Bani Hayyan was not caused by IDF activity.
Tragic developments such as these highlight the fragile security situation in the region, especially with increased Israeli military action against Hezbollah.
In a statement, Unifil expressed their condolences, stating, We extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of those brave peacekeepers who gave their lives in service of peace. Unifil has been in operation since 1978 to serve as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon.
As of now, around 339 peacekeepers have lost their lives since the mission’s inception, underlining the ongoing risks that UN peacekeepers face in volatile regions.
