Following the new government’s decision to ban Iranian flights from landing in Beirut, dozens of Hezbollah supporters blocked the road leading to Lebanon’s sole civilian airport. UNIFIL reports an attack on a convoy of peacekeepers.
Hezbollah supporters in Beirut continued their protests for a second day on Friday, escalating tensions by setting fire to a United Nations peacekeeping vehicle in Lebanon.
The incident occurred as a UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) convoy, transporting peacekeepers to the airport, was violently attacked. The outgoing force commander of UNIFIL was injured during the assault.
In a strongly worded statement, UNIFIL condemned the attack, emphasizing that targeting peacekeepers constitutes a severe violation of international law and could be classified as a war crime. The statement urged Lebanese authorities to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The Lebanese army has pledged to take decisive action against those responsible for the attack on the UNIFIL vehicle, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining order and security.
“We demand that all of the perpetrators be held accountable and that Lebanese authorities conduct a thorough and prompt investigation,” the statement continued.
The Lebanese army reported on social media that several areas, particularly near the airport, have become hotspots for protests marked by violent clashes and acts of vandalism. These incidents have included attacks on military personnel and the destruction of vehicles.
