4:45 am - February 25, 2025
UNIFIL Deputy Commander Injured in Protester Attack Near Beirut Airport
A violent incident unfolded near Beirut International Airport on Friday night, as a convoy carrying Major-General Chok Bahadur Dhakal, the outgoing deputy commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), was attacked by protesters. The major-general, who was on his way to leave Lebanon after completing his mission, sustained injuries during the attack. The convoy was halted by demonstrators, who set one of the UN vehicles on fire. The Lebanese army intervened to restore order, but not before some peacekeepers were injured. UNIFIL swiftly condemned the attack, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law” and warning that such actions could amount to war crimes. The incident has sparked widespread concern and highlights the tense security situation in Lebanon.
Protesters Linked to Hezbollah Block Airport Road
The protesters involved in the attack were reportedly supporters of Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist political and militant group based in Lebanon. They had blocked the road leading to Beirut’s only airport for the second consecutive day, following a decision by Lebanese authorities to prevent Iranian planes from landing in the capital. The Lebanese government’s move came after Israeli military officials alleged that Iran was using civilian flights to smuggle funds to Hezbollah. Critics argue that this decision reflects Lebanon’s capitulation to Israeli pressure, further inflaming tensions in the region. The blockade of the airport road disrupted travel plans for hundreds of passengers and drew sharp condemnation from various quarters.
Lebanese Government Vows to Hold Perpetrators Accountable
In response to the attack, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar called for an emergency meeting to discuss the deteriorating security situation. He described the assault on UNIFIL forces as a “crime” and instructed security agencies to identify the perpetrators and refer them to judicial authorities. The Lebanese army also issued a statement, pledging to work with UNIFIL to apprehend those responsible and ensure they face justice. These assurances came as international condemnation poured in, with the United States describing the attack as “outrageous” and commending the Lebanese Armed Forces for their swift response. The US also emphasized the need for accountability and expressed support for Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining stability.
Hezbollah Distances Itself from the Attack
Hezbollah, which has long been a dominant political and military force in Lebanon, appeared to distance itself from the attack. A statement shared on social media by al-Manar TV, a Hezbollah-affiliated outlet, blamed “unruly elements” for causing chaos and disrupting the airport road. The statement suggested that the attackers had “suspicious objectives,” implying that they may not have acted on behalf of the group. Meanwhile, the Amal Movement, a political ally of Hezbollah led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, condemned the attack, calling it an assault on southern Lebanon. The movement urged the army and security forces to pursue the perpetrators and restore order.
UNIFIL’s Role in Lebanon and Historical Context
UNIFIL was established in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon following Israel’s invasion that year. The mission was expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, allowing peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border. UNIFIL’s mandate includes assisting the Lebanese military in maintaining security and extending its authority in the south, a region that had been outside government control for decades. Despite its peacekeeping efforts, UNIFIL has often found itself caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts. Both Hezbollah and Israel have accused the mission of bias, and UNIFIL personnel have previously come under attack from Israeli forces. During recent tensions, Israel even demanded that UNIFIL vacate its positions in southern Lebanon, further complicating the mission’s operations.
Broader Implications of the Attack
The attack on the UNIFIL convoy underscores the fragile security environment in Lebanon, a country already grappling with political, economic, and social crises. The incident has drawn international attention, with many viewing it as a reflection of the broader tensions between Iran, Israel, and their respective allies in the region. The Lebanese government’s decision to halt Iranian flights, the subsequent protests by Hezbollah supporters, and the violent targeting of UN peacekeepers all point to the complex interplay of domestic and regional factors. As Lebanon struggles to navigate these challenges, the attack on UNIFIL serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by peacekeepers and the need for greater international cooperation to address the root causes of instability in the region.