A peacekeeper was killed and three others were injured last night in an incident in the vicinity of the village of Al-Aqbiya, south Lebanon just outside UNIFIL’s area of operations in south Lebanon, according to a statement issued by the United Nations Interim Forces In Lebanon (UNIFIL).
“We offer our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and colleagues of the peacekeeper who died. We are hopeful for a full and fast recovery for those injured.Our thoughts are also with the local civilians who may have been injured or frightened in the incident. At the moment, details are sparse and conflicting,” the statement read.
The UNIFIL added that it is coordinating with the Lebanese Armed Forces, and have launched an investigation to determine exactly what happened.
This as the Irish Defense Forces said that 4 personnel were taken to Raee Hospital, near Sidon as a result of the incident, adding that one soldier was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and another has undergone surgery and is in a serious condition.
"The other two soldiers are being treated for minor injuries," the Irish Defense Forces stressed.
For his part, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed "his sincere regret over the painful incident" that the Irish patrol of the peacekeeping forces encountered in the southern Lebanese village of Al-Aqbiya.
In addition to expressing his sorrow and condolences over the death of one of the patrol members, he wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Mikati made an appeal to all parties to exercise wisdom and patience during this difficult time the nation is going through, emphasizing the necessity for the relevant authorities to carry out the required investigations to learn the details of the incident and prevent it from happening again.
He commended the UNIFIL forces for their sacrifices in keeping the south peaceful, which reflects stability for the locals and Lebanon as a whole.
Mikati phoned both the Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Aroldo Lázaro, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Major General Joseph Aoun and obtained information from them regarding the incident's details.
Additionally, he sent letters of condolence and support to Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Michael Daniel Higgins, the President of Ireland.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denounced "the unfortunate incident" in Al-Aqbiya, expressing its sincere condolences to the Irish government and people.
The Ministry said that it is closely monitoring the investigations it has started with UNIFIL and all other concerned Lebanese authorities in order to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
It reaffirmed its respect and high appreciation for the work of the Irish battalion and all UNIFIL forces in the south, stressing the importance of preserving the security and safety of all international forces operating in Lebanon.