A devastating rocket attack struck the Ghana Battalion position “UNP 5-42” in Lebanon on Tuesday, injuring four Ghanaian soldiers who are part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. The rocket, believed to have been fired by non-state actors within Lebanon, hit the base near the border with Israel, causing damage to the washroom and troops’ accommodations.
Three of the injured peacekeepers were rushed to a hospital in Tyre for treatment, while the severity of their injuries remains unknown. Fortunately, they are responding to treatment, according to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
This incident was one of three separate attacks on UNIFIL troops and bases on Tuesday. In another incident, UNIFIL Sector West Headquarters in Shama was hit by five rockets, causing significant damage to the maintenance workshop, although no peacekeepers were injured. Additionally, a UNIFIL patrol came under direct fire while passing through a road northeast of the village of Khirbat Silim, but thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) blamed the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah for the rocket fire, while Hezbollah has not commented. UNIFIL has launched investigations into each of the incidents, condemning the pattern of regular attacks against peacekeepers as a “flagrant violation of international laws”
Despite these challenges, UNIFIL peacekeepers remain committed to their mission, continuing to impartially monitor and report on violations of resolution 1701. Ghana has a long history of contributing to UN peacekeeping efforts, with over 850 troops currently serving in Lebanon, including 115 women peacekeepers. The bravery and dedication of these peacekeepers are truly inspiring, and we wish the injured soldiers a speedy recovery.
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