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UNIFIL to Protest Israel After Troops Destroy Surveillance Cameras at HQ

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced it will file a formal protest after Israeli soldiers destroyed surveillance cameras at its headquarters in Naqoura. The cameras were solely for monitoring the compound's immediate perimeter to ensure peacekeeper security. This incident follows an explosion at another UN position in southern Lebanon that seriously wounded three peacekeepers. UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardell emphasized a difficult week for personnel and reminded all parties of their obligation to avoid combat activities near peacekeepers.

Key Points: UNIFIL to Protest Israel Over Destroyed Surveillance Cameras

  • Israeli troops destroy UNIFIL HQ cameras
  • Formal protest to be lodged
  • Explosion wounds 3 peacekeepers
  • Tensions high along Blue Line
  • UN urges safety obligations
2 min read

UNIFIL to lodge formal protest after Israeli troops destroy surveillance cameras at HQ

UNIFIL will formally protest Israeli troops destroying security cameras at its Naqoura HQ, amid a week of incidents injuring peacekeepers in Lebanon.

"It has been a difficult week for peacekeepers - Candice Ardell"

Beirut, April 5

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has said that it will file a formal protest after Israeli soldiers destroyed surveillance cameras installed at its headquarters in Naqoura.

UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardell said in a statement on Saturday (local time) that Israeli troops had, since Friday, destroyed all cameras facing the Menghi road at the mission's general headquarters in Naqoura.

The cameras were positioned solely to monitor the UNIFIL compound's immediate area, ensuring the security of its peacekeepers, Ardell said.

Ardell said UNIFIL had conveyed its serious concern to the Israeli army and would submit a formal protest, reports Xinhua news agency.

The incident comes amid broader regional hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as repeated recent incidents affecting UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon.

Earlier on Friday, an explosion inside a United Nations position near the Adaisseh area in southern Lebanon wounded three peacekeepers, two of them seriously, said the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardell said the injured peacekeepers were transported to the hospital, adding that the source of the explosion remains unknown, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported.

"It has been a difficult week for peacekeepers operating near the central sector of UNIFIL's area of operations. We wish a full and speedy recovery to all those injured," Ardell said, according to the NNA.

She added that UNIFIL reminds all parties of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, including avoiding nearby combat activities that could put them at risk.

The incident comes after several security incidents affecting UNIFIL positions and patrols were reported in southern Lebanon in recent days amid ongoing tensions along the Blue Line.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The region is already a tinderbox. Why escalate tensions with the UN? This action seems counterproductive. Our thoughts are with the injured peacekeepers. Hope for a speedy recovery.
D
David E
While I understand Israel's security concerns, targeting UNIFIL's equipment is not the way. There are established channels for communication. This sets a dangerous precedent for all peacekeeping ops.
A
Anjali F
The timing is suspicious, right after an explosion at another UN post. The safety of blue helmets is paramount. The international community needs to take a stronger stand on this.
S
Siddharth J
With all due respect to the UN's position, we must also ask what the cameras were monitoring. In such a volatile border area, transparency from all sides is needed. A formal protest is the right step, but the full context matters.
K
Kavya N
This is heartbreaking. Indian soldiers have served as UN peacekeepers for decades. We know the risks they take. Attacking their means of protection is unacceptable, full stop. 🙏

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