Beirut, (EFE). – A Group of masked men attacked a convoy of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Friday, setting fire to three vehicles near the Rafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanese officials said.
According to a UNIFIL statement, the outgoing deputy force commander, who was returning home after completing his mission, was injured in the attack.
UNIFIL condemned the attack as a serious violation of international law, stressing that such actions could amount to war crimes.
“We are shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been serving to restore security and stability to south Lebanon during a difficult time,” the statement read.
UNIFIL called on the Lebanese authorities to conduct a full and immediate investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
According to Lebanese media reports, the attackers used iron bars, set fire to at least one vehicle, and shouted “Shia, Shia” during the attack. They also blocked the road and burned billboards.
The Lebanese army confirmed in a statement that there had been “protests including assaults and riots” in several areas of Beirut, especially in the vicinity of Rafic Hariri International Airport.
However, he said he had reopened the airport road and was in control of the situation, despite attempts by some protesters to block it again with burning tires.
It is still unconfirmed whether the attackers belong to any political group; however, several local and Arab media reported images of demonstrators raising yellow flags associated with Hezbollah.
According to witnesses and officials, masked protesters blocked the Ring Bridge and Salim Salam roads near the airport with burning tires on Friday night.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the “criminal attack on UNIFIL vehicles and personnel” and expressed “Lebanon’s appreciation for the role played and being played by the international forces in the south.
The riots and attacks on UNIFIL in Beirut are the first of their kind and come a week after the formation of the Salam government and just days before the cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel expires on Tuesday.
Under the pact, Israel withdrew from villages and towns in southern Lebanon and the Lebanese army deploys in the south along the divide, while Hezbollah withdrew its fighters north of the Litani River, some 30 kilometers from the border. EFE
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