UN peacekeeping mission deputy commander injured after convoy attacked in Beirut

The outgoing deputy force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was injured Friday when a convoy transporting peacekeepers to Beirut airport came under a "violent attack," UNIFIL announced.

In a statement, the peacekeeping mission called for a full and immediate investigation by Lebanese authorities and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the assault on Saturday, warning that the country’s security forces would not tolerate attempts to destabilize Lebanon.

Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar convened an emergency meeting before noon on Saturday to address security.

“The Lebanese government rejects this assault, which is considered a crime against UNIFIL forces,” al-Hajjar told reporters. He also confirmed that more than 25 people had been detained for investigation.

The United States condemned the attack, which it said was “reportedly carried out by a group of Hezbollah supporters,” referencing the Iran-backed extremist group that holds significant influence in Lebanon.

The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in Lebanon, where UNIFIL has operated since 1978 to maintain peace along the country’s southern border with Israel.