2 UN Peace Forces Injured By Israeli Tank Fire In Lebanon

UN tactical vehicles pass through Lebanese/DOK UN territory

JAKARTA - Two UN peacekeepers were injured in Lebanon after Israeli tanks shot at the observation tower at the UN Temporary Forces headquarters in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the southern Lebanese city of Naqura.

This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after the Mercava IDF tank (Israeli Defense Force) fired its gun at an observation tower at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqura, immediately hit it and caused them to fall. Fortunately, this time the injuries were not serious, but they are still being treated in hospital," UNFIL said.

Israeli troops also opened fire on another UN position at Ras Naqurara and hit the bunker entrance where peacekeepers protected damaged vehicles and communication systems, the mission added.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon was founded by the UN Security Council in 1978, following Israel's invasion of the country's southern region.

The agency established a Blue Line area that stretches 120 kilometers along the southern Lebanon in 2000, to ensure the full withdrawal of Israeli troops.

On Wednesday, a UNIFIL spokesman told CNN an Israeli invasion was underway around the Blue Line, as the Israeli military expanded operations in southern Lebanon.