Roadside Explosion Kills Indonesian Peacekeepers in Lebanon
Two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed on Monday due to a "roadside explosion" in southern Lebanon, according to UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who cited findings from an initial investigation.
In a separate statement, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) reported that the explosion was of "unknown origin" and "destroyed" the peacekeepers' vehicle near Bani Hayyan.
Unifil further stated that a third peacekeeper was "severely" injured in the explosion, while a fourth sustained injuries.
This incident marks the second fatal occurrence within 24 hours. On Sunday, another Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile of unknown origin exploded in Adchit Al Qusayr, southern Lebanon.
Unifil has initiated investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
Initial Investigation Findings
Jean-Pierre Lacroix addressed the UN Security Council, indicating that the preliminary investigation into Monday's incident "point to a roadside explosion striking the convoy."
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, later added at a briefing that the deaths were "most likely" caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).
Regarding the Sunday incident, Dujarric stated it was probably caused by "an explosive that landed in the position that the Indonesians were holding."
Context of Rising Tensions
The fatalities occurred shortly after the Israeli military announced plans to intensify ground and air attacks against Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group.
Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia and political party, has launched rockets into Israel in response to ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Israeli Defense Forces Statement
In a Telegram statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared that their review concluded the Bani Hayyan explosion "was not caused by IDF activity."
"A comprehensive operational examination indicates that no explosive device was placed in the area by IDF troops, and that no IDF troops were present in the area at all."
Separately, the IDF reported on Tuesday that four of its soldiers were killed in combat in southern Lebanon, with another soldier severely wounded and a reservist moderately wounded.
UN Calls for Protection of Peacekeepers
Dujarric emphasized the role of peacekeepers in Lebanon, stating they were "soldiers sent there on behalf of the international community... and everyone needs to ensure that they are protected and never targeted."
He urged both Lebanon and Israel to utilize the Unifil mechanism for dialogue, emphasizing that "the bottom line is that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon needs to be respected."
Identification of Deceased Peacekeepers
Antara, an Indonesian government-owned news agency, identified the soldier killed on Sunday as Chief Private Farizal Rhomadhon. The two soldiers killed on Monday were named Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan.
Unifil issued a statement expressing condolences:
"We extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of those brave peacekeepers who gave their lives in service of peace."
Background on Unifil Mission
Established by the UN Security Council in 1978, Unifil has served as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon.
The peacekeeping force patrols the "Blue Line," the de facto border between Lebanon and Israel, in cooperation with the Lebanese army.
Since its inception, approximately 339 peacekeepers have been killed during the mission.
Ceasefire and Ongoing Conflict
Despite a ceasefire brokered in November 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah following violence linked to the war in Gaza, Israel has conducted near-daily strikes targeting Hezbollah.
Israel asserts that Hezbollah has not complied with ceasefire terms, which required the militia to disarm and vacate positions in southern Lebanon. Israel has also criticized Unifil and the Lebanese army for insufficient action to remove Hezbollah militants from the area.
According to Israel, the recent operation in southern Lebanon aims to secure northern communities.
Since the ceasefire, the Lebanese health ministry reports that 1,268 people have died in Lebanon, including 124 children.
