600 Indian soldiers posted as UN peacekeepers at risk after Israeli strikes in Lebanon; MEA flags concern
India has raised concerns about the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon following an incident where they were fired upon by Israeli forces targeting Hezbollah in the area. A total of 600 Indian soldiers are part of the UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, where they are positioned along the 120-km Blue Line that marks the border between Israel and Lebanon.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We are concerned about the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate.”
Two peacekeepers injured in Israeli firing on UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters
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“The injuries are fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital,” it added.
The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border has rapidly worsened following the killing of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. It has been reported that Israel is deploying land-based weaponry in this area, heightening the danger for the troops stationed in that location.
IDF accuses Hezbollah of operating in areas near UNIFIL posts
There have been accusations by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) that Hezbollah is operating in areas near UNIFIL posts. In a statement, the IDF said, “The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.
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On Thursday morning, IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base. Accordingly, the IDF instructed the UN forces in the area to remain in protected spaces, following which the forces opened fire in the area,” the statement added.
