Three peacekeepers with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have sustained minor injuries in an explosion near their vehicle close to the southern city of Yarine, according to Reuters.
The UN mission confirmed that all patrol members returned safely to their base, adding that “it is investigating the incident.” The UN mission did not provide any additional details.
“We are strongly reminding all parties and actors of their responsibility to avoid harm to peacekeepers and civilians.”
The explosion occurred amid rising concerns of a potential escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following the July 30 assassination of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut.
The situation is further strained by the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 40,100 deaths since last October, following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.