New Delhi: India on Saturday strongly condemned the deadly attack on French UN peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and called for urgent action against those responsible.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We strongly condemn the attack that took place today on French UN Peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL. We pay our homage to the fallen Blue Helmet and wish a speedy recovery to the three other peacekeepers who were injured.”
According to UNIFIL, the incident took place on Saturday morning when one of its patrol teams was clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the village of Ghanduriyah to restore access to isolated UN positions. The patrol came under small-arms fire from non-state actors.
One peacekeeper was killed in the attack, while three others were injured, two of them seriously. The wounded personnel were shifted to medical facilities for treatment.
UNIFIL said an investigation has been launched into the incident. Initial assessments indicated that the firing came from non-state actors, allegedly Hizbullah.
India expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and the Government of France, while wishing speedy recovery to the injured personnel. It also urged the Lebanese government to immediately investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Ministry of External Affairs noted that India had piloted UN Security Council Resolution 2589, which focuses on accountability for crimes committed against UN peacekeepers. India reiterated the need to respect the sanctity and inviolability of UN premises and personnel and ensure the safety of peacekeepers deployed under UN mandates.
The attack comes amid rising regional tensions and has raised serious concerns over the security of international peacekeeping forces in the region.