The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned an attack on its base in southern Lebanon that injured three Ghanaian peacekeeping soldiers during heavy fighting in the border region.
According to UNIFIL, the incident occurred on Friday evening when intense shelling and air strikes landed near its position in Al Qawzah in southwestern Lebanon.
“Amidst heavy firing this evening, three peacekeepers were injured inside their base in Al Qawzah,” the mission said in a statement.
The most seriously injured soldier has been transferred to a hospital in Beirut for treatment, while the other two are receiving care at a UNIFIL medical facility. A fire that broke out inside the base during the attack was later brought under control.
UNIFIL described the incident as unacceptable, stressing that peacekeepers carrying out duties under a United Nations mandate must not be targeted.
The mission warned that attacks on peacekeepers violate international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which established the framework for maintaining peace along the Israel-Lebanon border after the 2006 war.
UNIFIL said an investigation is underway to determine the source of the attack.
The incident comes amid renewed cross-border tensions between Israel and armed groups in southern Lebanon, including the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Ghana is one of the long-standing contributors to UN peacekeeping missions and currently deploys hundreds of troops under UNIFIL, where they help monitor the Blue Line, conduct patrols and support humanitarian efforts.
UNIFIL has urged all parties in the conflict to respect international law and ensure the safety of peacekeepers and civilians.
