Three UN Peacekeepers Killed in Attacks in Southern Lebanon

At least three United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in separate attacks in southern Lebanon within a span of 24 hours, amid escalating conflict in the region.

According to international news agency Reuters, two peacekeepers were killed on Monday when an explosion struck a vehicle carrying UN personnel. The incident occurred near the southern town of Bani Haiyan while the peacekeepers were traveling between two bases under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Two others were injured in the blast, one critically and another with moderate injuries.

The identities of those responsible for the attack have not yet been confirmed. The two deceased peacekeepers were from Indonesia, as confirmed by officials.

In a separate incident on Sunday, another Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile exploded near a UNIFIL position close to Adshit al-Qusayr. One additional peacekeeper was seriously injured in that attack.

UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardiel stated that the two incidents are unrelated and are being investigated separately.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the deaths of its personnel and strongly condemned the attacks. The ministry called for an impartial investigation and urged all parties to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, halt attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and return to dialogue and diplomacy.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the attacks, calling them a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

UNIFIL, established in 1987, currently deploys around 10,000 peacekeepers in Lebanon. The UN has stated that it is still unclear who was responsible for the recent attacks, and no immediate comments have been made by Israel, Hezbollah, or UNIFIL regarding responsibility.

The incidents come amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Following a joint U.S.-Israel strike on February 28 that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, prompting intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

According to Lebanese authorities, more than 1,200 people have been killed and over one million displaced due to the ongoing Israeli attacks. Recent strikes have also reportedly claimed the lives of healthcare workers and journalists.

UNIFIL has launched investigations into both incidents.