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Drone Incidents Near UNIFIL Positions in Lebanon Endanger Peacekeepers

UNIFIL has reported that drone incidents near and inside its positions in southern Lebanon endangered peacekeepers and damaged UN facilities. Several presumed Hezbollah drones detonated near the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, with one exploding inside the compound. Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir stated that the multi-front campaign across the Middle East is not over. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported at least eight deaths from Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

Key Points: Drone Incidents Endanger UNIFIL Peacekeepers in Lebanon

  • UNIFIL says drone incidents near its positions endangered peacekeepers
  • Three drones exploded near UNIFIL headquarters on Monday, another on Tuesday
  • One drone detonated inside the headquarters, damaging buildings
  • Israel's military chief says multi-front campaign is not over
  • Eight people killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon
2 min read

UNIFIL says drone incidents endanger peacekeepers in Lebanon

UNIFIL reports drone explosions near its headquarters in Lebanon, endangering peacekeepers. Israel's military chief says campaign is not over.

"Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that the country's multi-front military campaign across the Middle East... is not over. - Eyal Zamir"

Beirut, May 14

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has said that a series of drone incidents near and inside its positions in southern Lebanon had endangered peacekeepers and damaged UN facilities.

UNIFIL said in a statement on Wednesday (local time) that several presumed Hezbollah drones detonated on Monday and Tuesday near its headquarters in the southern town of Naqoura, where Israeli soldiers could have been present.

According to the statement, three drones exploded between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. local time on Monday within meters of the headquarters, followed by another drone explosion in the same area on Tuesday at around 5:20 p.m., reports Xinhua news agency.

Minutes later, another drone detonated inside the headquarters, damaging several buildings. No injuries were reported.

UNIFIL said it is increasingly concerned about the activities of both Hezbollah members and Israeli soldiers near UN positions, adding that it had protested the presence and movement of Israeli troops and vehicles near its headquarters, as well as the activities of non-state actors near UN positions.

Meanwhile, Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that the country's multi-front military campaign across the Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, and the occupied West Bank, "is not over."

Speaking about Lebanon, a day after the military said Israeli troops had crossed the Litani River and established operational control in the area, Zamir said troops were continuing operations in Lebanon, including in the Litani River area.

Separately, the Lebanese Health Ministry said at least eight people, including two children, were killed in three Israeli airstrikes targeting cars along the Jiyeh-Saadiyat highway in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it had struck more than 40 Hezbollah infrastructure sites, including weapon storage facilities and military structures, across southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours.

The development came despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that took effect at midnight between April 16 and 17, following weeks of intensified cross-border fighting linked to the wider regional conflict involving Iran.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

M
Michael C
As someone watching from the West, it's shocking how the ceasefire agreed in April is already being violated. Both Hezbollah and Israel seem to be using the UNIFIL area as a buffer zone for their own operations. The killing of children in Israeli airstrikes is absolutely unacceptable. This needs a fresh international push for peace.
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Priya S
India has always supported UN peacekeeping missions. It's sad to see UNIFIL being put in such danger. The real victims here are the common Lebanese people, especially the children killed in those airstrikes. Both sides need to understand that this cycle of violence only brings more suffering. Israel's military chief saying the campaign is 'not over' is worrying—peace must prevail. 🙏
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Rahul R
So the ceasefire is already a joke. Hezbollah drones exploding near UN positions, Israeli troops crossing the Litani River... And the international community is just watching. The loss of life, especially of children, is tragic. India should use its diplomatic channels to push for a stronger UN role here. These are not just headlines—they are human lives at stake.
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Amanda J
I find it hard to believe that the drones simply 'presumed Hezbollah' detonated near the UN base. Why is no one demanding accountability? The fact that Israeli soldiers could have been present is also worrying—it shows how blurred the lines are. The killing of two children in airstrikes is heartbreaking. Enough is enough.
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Naveen S
On one hand, Hezbollah operates near UN positions, and on the other, Israel strikes 40+ sites. The ceasefire was supposed to bring peace

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