Tag: Lebanon – UN peacekeepers – arrests – investigation

Lebanon Detains 25 Amid UN Peacekeeper Attack Probe

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Unrest Over Airport Blockade Escalates

Lebanese authorities have condemned a violent attack on UN peacekeepers, which occurred amid growing tensions over a government decision to bar two Iranian flights from landing. The unrest intensified as Hezbollah supporters blocked access to Beirut’s international airport for the second consecutive night.

On Saturday, security forces fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that had gathered again to obstruct the road to the airport, following a call for a sit-in by the Iran-backed militant group.

Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar announced that more than 25 individuals had been arrested by Lebanese army intelligence, with an additional suspect detained by security services. However, he cautioned that it remained unclear if the detainees were directly responsible for the attack.

“This does not mean these detainees carried out the attack,” Hajjar stated, emphasizing that investigations were ongoing. “Violations will be dealt with seriously.”

UN Calls for Investigation

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) demanded a “full and immediate investigation” after one of its vehicles was set on fire during the attack. The incident left outgoing deputy force commander Chok Bahadur Dhakal, who was en route to Nepal after completing his mission, injured.

A second Nepalese peacekeeper was also wounded in the assault, according to UNIFIL’s deputy spokesperson, Kandice Ardiel.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed that those responsible would face justice, warning that security forces “will not be lenient with any party that tries to upset stability and civil peace.”

Clashes and Vandalism Near Airport

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated the importance of free speech but stated that security forces would not tolerate violent protests.

“If there is an attempt to block roads and attack public and private property, unfortunately, security forces must confront such rioting,” he said.

According to the Lebanese army, multiple areas around the airport witnessed demonstrations marked by acts of vandalism and violent clashes. Security personnel were assaulted, and several military vehicles were targeted.

Videos circulating on social media showed masked demonstrators, some carrying Hezbollah flags, attacking a man in military uniform and another in civilian clothes near the torched UNIFIL vehicle. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hezbollah’s media outlet, Al-Manar, blamed unidentified “masked men” for the violence, while the group’s ally Amal condemned the attack as an “assault on south Lebanon.”

Diplomatic Tensions Over Blocked Flights

The blockade at the airport stems from Lebanon’s decision to prevent two Iranian flights from landing, which sparked outrage among Hezbollah supporters.

Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny stated that the government was working to bring home Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran but had yet to receive the necessary permissions from Tehran.

“If necessary, Beirut will cover the cost for stranded Lebanese to return via alternative routes,” Prime Minister Salam confirmed.

Iran, meanwhile, signaled its willingness for “constructive talks” with Lebanon to resolve the dispute. Tehran’s foreign minister conveyed this message during a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart.

Israel has previously accused Hezbollah of using Beirut’s airport to smuggle weapons from Iran—a claim that both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have denied.

Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation clarified that certain flights, including those from Iran, had been “temporarily rescheduled” until February 18 due to the implementation of “additional security measures.”

Ceasefire Under Pressure

The February 18 deadline coincides with the expected completion of Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s evacuation of military positions in the region, as stipulated by a ceasefire deal brokered in November.

However, tensions remain high. On Saturday, Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli drone had carried out an airstrike in southern Lebanon. No casualties were reported.

Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce, which has been fragile since its inception late last year.

International Condemnation

Friday’s attack on the UN peacekeepers has drawn condemnation from multiple nations, including France and Qatar, as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“Such attacks are absolutely unacceptable,” Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement. “The safety and security of UN personnel and property must be respected at all times.”

He further warned that “attacks against peacekeepers are a violation of international law and may constitute war crimes.”

With rising tensions and security concerns, Lebanon faces mounting pressure to restore order and prevent further escalation.