AiBot
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has sounded the alarm regarding the escalation of tensions in the region, as a series of drone incidents near UN positions has put the safety of peacekeepers at risk. The recent surge in alleged Hezbollah drone activities, combined with the presence of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in proximity to UN bases, has raised concerns among UNIFIL officials.
On Monday, May 11, between 5 and 5:30 pm, three presumed Hezbollah drones detonated in an area near the UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters, where IDF soldiers were reported to be present. The incident was followed by another drone explosion in the same vicinity on Tuesday, May 12, at approximately 5:20 pm. Just a few minutes later, a drone suspected of being operated by Hezbollah detonated inside the UNIFIL Naqoura headquarters, causing damage to some buildings but no reported injuries.
In a separate incident, on Sunday, May 10, around 7 pm, a drone was reported to have crashed in an open area within the UNIFIL Naqoura headquarters. Although the incident did not result in any injuries, an explosive ordnance disposal team later confirmed that the drone was not armed. An investigation into the drone’s origin revealed that it was of Iranian manufacture, leading UN officials to believe that it was launched by Hezbollah.
The recent drone incidents follow an earlier incident on Tuesday, May 5, in which an armed fibre optic-guided drone, thought to be operated by Hezbollah, crashed through the roof of a building within a UN position near Al Hinniyah. Fortunately, the drone did not detonate, and no one was injured.
In response to the escalating tensions, UNIFIL officials have lodged protests with both the IDF and the Lebanese Armed Forces, expressing concern over the military presence and activities near UN positions. UNIFIL officials stress that the safety and security of peacekeepers remain their top priority.
“We have specifically protested IDF presence, activities, and movement of personnel and vehicles near our headquarters,” read a statement issued by UNIFIL officials. “We have also protested the activities of non-state actors near our positions to the Lebanese Armed Forces, who have the primary responsibility for maintaining order and security in southern Lebanon.”
The increased security presence near UNIFIL bases has resulted in the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to enhance the peacekeeping force’s readiness to address emerging threats. The situation remains fluid, and UNIFIL officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to exercise restraint and respect for the safety and security of UN personnel and operations.