UNIFIL denounces the impact of a projectile on its headquarters in Lebanon attributed to a “non-state actor”

The United Nations Interim Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Monday denounced “intense shootings and explosions” near its facilities in the south of the country in the last 48 hours, including the launch of a projectile that recently hit its headquarters and which it attributed to a “non-state actor”, in the midst of the open conflict between the Israeli Army and the Shiite party-militia Hezbollah since last March 2, days after Israel launched its offensive. together with the United States against Iran.

“In the last 48 hours, members of the peacekeepers have recorded intense shootings and explosions in the town of Naqura and its surroundings, near the UNIFIL headquarters. Bullets, fragments and shrapnel have hit buildings and open areas within our headquarters, endangering the members of the peacekeepers,” said its spokesperson, Kandice Ardiel, on social networks, specifying that these troops have been forced to “remain in shelters.” to avoid injuries.”

Added to these events is the impact, “just before noon today”, of a projectile on its headquarters and whose launch has been attributed to a “non-state actor,” said Ardiel, adding that “members of the peacekeeping forces with experience in neutralizing explosive devices are working to address the situation.”

The UNIFIL spokesperson wanted to remind “all” actors involved in the conflict “of their responsibility to guarantee the safety of members of the peacekeeping forces and to avoid any act, including combat activities, that could put them in danger.”

“We reiterate that there is no military solution to this conflict and we urge the parties to lay down their arms and commit to working towards a long-term solution, before there are more victims,” ​​he declared.

In the last week, UNIFIL has documented new air attacks within its area of ​​operations in southern Lebanon and new rocket and missile fire, as well as a build-up of troops by the Israeli Army north of the Blue Line, which marks the border between the two countries.

The Israeli Army’s attacks against Lebanon have left at least 1,024 dead and 2,740 injured since March 2, the date on which Israel launched an offensive against the country after the launch of Hezbollah rockets into Israeli territory in retaliation for the death of the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.