UNIFIL Headquarters Hit in Southern Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced today that its headquarters in the town of Naqoura, southern Lebanon, on the border with Israel, was struck by a projectile.

UNIFIL stated in a press release: "Shortly before noon today (Monday), a projectile struck a building within the UNIFIL headquarters. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams are working to address the situation. We believe the projectile was fired by a non-state actor."

This came after Hezbollah claimed responsibility for at least two rocket attacks today against Israeli forces in Naqoura. The first attack, at 11:00 AM (09:00 GMT), targeted "a gathering of Israeli soldiers near the Naqoura municipality building," while the second, two hours later, targeted "a similar gathering near a school in Naqoura."

UNIFIL stated that it had observed "heavy gunfire and explosions" in and around the town over the past 48 hours. It added, "Bullets, shrapnel, and projectile fragments struck buildings and open areas within our headquarters," noting that "as a result, peacekeepers were confined to shelters to avoid casualties."

The international force reminded "all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers and to refrain from any action that could endanger them, including combat activities."

ANHA