Attacked In Lebanon, UN UN Peace Forces UNIFIL Responds To Throwing Smoked Grenades

The UN Temporary Troops in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are identical to blue berets. (X @Lacroix_UN)

JAKARTA - The UN temporary peacekeeping force in Lebanon or UNIFIL was attacked by residents in Aitat City, south of the Litani River, Lebanon, Thursday, July 10 local time.

Citing Arab News, Friday, July 11, the attackers claimed UNIFIL patrols entered the Wadi Jilou area in Aitat City without being escorted by the Lebanese Army.

According to footage taken by eyewitnesses, a group of people blocked the patrol roads of UNIFIL troops. They demanded that the patrol be reversed and return again under the escort of the Lebanese army.

However, the UNIFIL patrol reportedly refused, ending in a direct confrontation.

In response to the actions of the group of people, UNIFIL personnel threw smoke grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd. No injuries were reported for the incident.

The attack of a group of people is the latest in a series of attacks targeting UNIFIL forces and carried out by civilians in Lebanese territory.

It said the incidents that occurred were aimed at preventing UNIFIL troops from entering private property to carry out inspections, which are key components of UNIFIL's official mandate.

The latest update of the UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon includes amendments that provide these troops with greater freedom of movement in their operational areas, coordinating with the Lebanese Army.