Two UN Troops From Indonesia Injured In Israeli Attack, Foreign Minister Retno: Investigate And Ask For Accountability

UN troops on UNIFIL missions in Lebanon from Indonesia. (Wikimedia Commons/Kontingen Garuda)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the Indonesian government condemned the attack on the headquarters of UN troops in Lebanon that injured two Indonesian soldiers, urging an investigation and the perpetrators being held accountable.

Two TNI soldiers who joined the Garuda contingent on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon by UN forces under the UNIFIL flag were injured in an Israeli military attack (IDF) on Thursday.

"The Indonesian government strongly condemns the IDF attack in South Lebanon which injured two UN peacekeeping personnel from Indonesia," Foreign Minister Retno said in a written statement to reporters, Thursday, October 10.

"The two TNI soldiers who are members of UNIFIL suffered minor injuries while carrying out monitoring duties at the monitoring tower at the headquarters of the Indonesian contingent in Naqurara," continued Foreign Minister Retno.

He explained that Naqura is located in South Lebanon, in an area called the blue line. The UN peacekeeping force is in the area under the mandate of the UN DK to support Lebanese stability.

"The two personnel will immediately receive treatment at the nearest hospital and are currently in good condition," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"The injuries experienced by the two personnel came from the bullet slide from the Merkava IDF tank," he continued.

Foreign Minister Retno said that her party had communicated directly with the Garuda FHQSU Contingent Commander (Force Headquarter Support Unit).

Against this attack, he continued, UNIFIL has also issued an urgent statement from the IDF to comply with obligations in ensuring the security and safety of UN personnel and premises

"Indonesia reminds IDF of the importance of respecting UNIFIL troops and property and ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"Indonesia emphasizes that any attack on peacekeepers is a gross violation of international humanitarian law and UN DK resolution 1701 as the basis for UNIFIL's mandate," he said.

Foreign Minister Retno added that Indonesia asked all parties to ensure the respect of the inviolability (unviolability) of the United Nations region at all times and circumstances.

"Indonesia urges an investigation into the attack and the perpetrators are held accountable," he said.

Previously, UNIFIL on its website said UNIFIL Naqura headquarters and nearby positions had been repeatedly attacked.

Two peacekeepers were injured after the Mercava IDF tank fired its gun at an observation tower at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqura, immediately hit it and caused them to fall on Thursday morning local time.

UNIFIL said IDF soldiers also opened fire on UN (UNP) 1-31 in Labbouneh, hitting the bunker entrance where peacekeepers took refuge, and damaging vehicles and communication systems. An IDF drone was seen flying in UN positions to the entrance of the bunker.

"We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property as well as to respect UN rights that cannot be sued at any time," UNIFIL said.

"UnIFIL peacekeeping forces are present in southern Lebanon to support stability restoration under the mandate of the Security Council. Any intentional attack on peacekeeping forces constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law and a resolution of Security Council 1701," he ordered.