8 UNIFIL Soldiers From Austria Injured By Rocket Attacks In Naqura Lebanese

UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL Lebanon/PHOTO via Instagram @unifil_official

Eight Austrian soldiers who are members of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) suffered minor injuries as a result of rocket attacks on the troop headquarters in Naqura.

"We strongly condemn this attack and demand that this attack be investigated immediately," the Austrian Defense Ministry said.

Austria stated that it was not yet known where the attack came from. It is certain that no soldier will need medical treatment.

UNIFIL then issued a statement saying the rocket that burned the vehicle repair shop was fired from north of the site.

"Probably by Hezbollah or its affiliate group," UNIFIL said.

Austria accounts for about 180 troops for 10,000-strong troops. They are part of a "Fifly Role Logistics Unit" that carries out roles such as transporting goods and personnel, repairing vehicles, supplying fuel, and firefighters.

The attack comes amid fierce fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in the border area where Israel carried out ground attacks.

Israel's attack last night continued in the eastern Bekaa Valley that killed more than 60 people, according to Lebanese authorities.

Hezbollah on Tuesday said it was targeting with Israeli troops rockets and artillery in the southeastern city of Khiyam in the south.

UNIFIL said earlier this month it had suffered several intentional attacks by Israeli forces and attempts to assist civilians in villages in the war zone were hampered by Israeli shootings.

Five peacekeepers have been injured since the start of Israel's ground operations in Lebanon on October 1. UNIFIL's position has been affected by at least 20 times, including by direct fire and incident on October 13 when two Israeli tanks broke through Lebanese gates. UNIFIL base, according to the United Nations.

UNIFIL was stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel, an area that has been fighting for more than a year that turned into fierce clashes this month between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.