Lebanese authorities have arrested more than 25 suspects following an attack on a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy that left two peacekeepers injured, including the mission’s outgoing deputy commander.
The attack, which took place Friday night, occurred as Hezbollah supporters blocked the main road to Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport for a second consecutive night.
The protests were sparked by Lebanon’s decision to bar two Iranian planes from landing in the country.
Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar confirmed the arrests following an emergency security meeting, stating that while the detainees may not be directly responsible for the attack, investigations will determine the perpetrators. Additionally, one more suspect has been detained by security services.
“The army and security agencies will bolster measures to maintain security and stability,” Hajjar said, adding that any violations will be handled “with all seriousness.”
The United Nations and Lebanese officials have strongly condemned the attack on UNIFIL, which has been stationed in southern Lebanon since 1978 to monitor the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.
Images from the scene showed a UNIFIL vehicle engulfed in flames as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
