UNIFIL says rocket, likely fired by Hezbollah or affiliates, hit Lebanon HQ

United Nations peacekeepers said Tuesday that a rocket, likely fired by Hezbollah or an affiliated group, hit its headquarters in southern Lebanon, leaving some peacekeepers with minor injuries.

“A rocket hit UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, setting a vehicle workshop on fire,” the force said in a statement, adding that it “was fired from north of UNIFIL’s headquarters, likely by Hezbollah or an affiliated group”.

UNIFIL said some peacekeepers suffered minor injuries and said it had opened an investigation into the incident.

“We remind Hezbollah and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property,” it said.

UNIFIL has accused Israel of several violations against its forces in south Lebanon since the full-scale Israel-Hezbollah war erupted in September.

Tuesday’s incident marked the first time the peacekeeping force blamed Hezbollah for an incident since the conflict started.

UNIFIL did not provide details on the injured peacekeepers.

But the Austrian defence ministry said eight Austrian soldiers with UNIFIL were wounded in a rocket attack in Naqoura.

The injuries were “minor and superficial,” Austrian the defence ministry said.

Initially set up in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon, UNIFIL has around 10,000 peacekeepers from some 50 countries deployed in south Lebanon.