Security Crisis in Lebanon: President Aoun Vows to Punish Attackers of UN Peacekeeping Convoy
Lebanese Authorities Condemn Attack, Demand Investigation
Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has vowed to punish the perpetrators of an attack on a United Nations peacekeeping convoy, with authorities set to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday.
Attack on UNIFIL Convoy
The UN and Lebanese authorities have condemned Friday’s attack, which came as Hezbollah supporters for a second night blocked the road to the country’s only international airport over a decision barring two Iranian planes from landing there.
Aoun’s Statement
Aoun "emphasised that the attackers will receive their punishment" and said "security forces will not be lenient with any party that tries to upset stability and civil peace", according to a statement from the presidency on X.
UNIFIL Demands Investigation
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has demanded an investigation after one of its vehicles was set on fire during the incident, which wounded Nepalese outgoing deputy force commander Chok Bahadur Dhakal as he was returning home.
Government Response
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly condemned the "criminal attack" and promised to arrest the perpetrators during a conversation with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lazaro.
Emergency Security Meeting
Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar has called an emergency security meeting on Saturday at 11:00 am (0900 GMT), and said he visited two injured UNIFIL officers in hospital, emphasising "the Lebanese government’s rejection of this attack".
UN Chief Condemns Attack
UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the incident, saying "such attacks are absolutely unacceptable… The safety and security of UN personnel and property must be respected at all times".
Hezbollah’s Response
There was no immediate official comment from Hezbollah. However, the group’s ally the Amal movement, led by powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri, said "the attack on UNIFIL is an attack on south Lebanon" and that "blocking roads anywhere is an assault on civil peace".
Security Situation
The army said Friday that several areas around the airport had seen "demonstrations marked by acts of vandalism and clashes, including assaults on members of the armed forces and attacks against vehicles".
Background
The Iran-backed group has a large popular base in Lebanon, though a year of hostilities with Israel and the ousting of the group’s ally Bashar al-Assad in neighbouring Syria have left it weakened.
Timeline
Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation said Thursday it had "temporarily rescheduled" some flights, including from Iran, until February 18 as it was implementing "additional security measures".
Conclusion
The recent events in Lebanon highlight the need for stability and security in the region. The attack on the UN peacekeeping convoy is a serious breach of international law and may constitute war crimes. The Lebanese government must take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in the attack on the UN peacekeeping convoy?
The attack resulted in the wounding of a Nepalese officer and the setting on fire of a UNIFIL vehicle. - Who condemned the attack?
The UN and Lebanese authorities, including President Aoun, have condemned the attack. - What is the response of the Lebanese government?
The government has promised to arrest the perpetrators and has called an emergency security meeting to address the situation. - What is the position of Hezbollah on the attack?
Hezbollah has not officially commented on the attack, but its ally Amal movement has criticized the blocking of roads and the attack on UNIFIL.