ISLAMABAD: A United Nations peacekeeper has died and two others have been injured after mortar shells struck a UN peacekeeping position in southern Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Thursday.
According to the peacekeeping mission, the incident occurred late on Wednesday night near the town of Marjayoun in southeastern Lebanon, where mortar rounds hit a UNIFIL location. The peacekeeper, who sustained critical injuries in the attack, later succumbed to his wounds.
UNIFIL confirmed that two additional peacekeepers were wounded in the shelling and are receiving medical treatment. The condition of the injured personnel was not immediately disclosed.
The mission did not identify the source of the mortar fire or indicate which party may have been responsible for the attack. However, it stressed that a formal investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine how the shells came to strike the peacekeeping position.
The death marks a serious setback for UN peacekeeping efforts in southern Lebanon, where UNIFIL personnel are tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities and helping maintain stability along the border area. The force operates under a United Nations mandate and works in coordination with Lebanese authorities to support security and prevent escalation.
The latest incident comes amid ongoing tensions and periodic exchanges of fire in parts of southern Lebanon, raising concerns over the safety of peacekeeping personnel deployed in the region.
UNIFIL has repeatedly called on all parties to respect international law and ensure the protection of peacekeepers carrying out their duties. The mission reiterated that attacks affecting UN personnel are unacceptable and undermine efforts to preserve peace and security.
Further details are expected once the investigation progresses and additional information becomes available.
