Escalation in Lebanon Intensifies, Ministry of Defence Maintains UN Protection for TNI Soldiers
The government, through the Ministry of Defence (Kemenhan) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), is closely monitoring developments in the security situation in Lebanon, which has heated up again, particularly regarding the safety of TNI soldiers participating in the UN peacekeeping mission.
Head of the Defence Information Bureau at Kemenhan, Rico Ricardo Sirait, assured that all TNI personnel involved in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are under the coordination and protection of the UN command system.
“All TNI personnel are under the UN command system, and they carry out their duties in accordance with the mandate and applicable rules of engagement,” Rico emphasised in an interview with Media Indonesia on Thursday (9/4).
He explained that various mitigation measures have been implemented to anticipate potential conflict escalation in the region. These measures include increased alertness, adjustments to security procedures, and intensive coordination with UNIFIL headquarters and other troop-contributing countries.
“Mitigation continues to be carried out, including increased alertness and security adjustments, as well as close coordination with UNIFIL headquarters and troop-contributing countries,” Rico revealed.
Regarding potential emergency scenarios, such as evacuation or relocation of troops to safer areas, Rico explained that this is already part of the standard mechanisms prepared by the UN. However, official decisions from the Indonesian government on this matter are still awaiting developments in the situation.
“Regarding contingency scenarios, including the possibility of troop relocation or other emergency measures, this is already part of the UN’s standard mechanisms that are always prepared and will be implemented according to the on-the-ground situation,” Rico stated.
Even as the security situation in Lebanon continues to change, Kemenhan remains committed to contributing to the global peacekeeping mission while prioritising the safety of Indonesian soldiers.
“Indonesia remains committed to the global peacekeeping mission, with the safety of soldiers as the top priority in every decision-making process,” he concluded.
On Wednesday (8/4), Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed more than 250 people and injured more than 1,000 others. These strikes mark a new escalation in the region amid ongoing tensions. The airstrikes hit several areas in Beirut and its surroundings, just hours after the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The Israeli military described the strikes as one of the largest and most coordinated since the start of the latest military campaign in Lebanon on 2 March. Tel Aviv asserted that the strikes were aimed at destroying Hezbollah infrastructure.
US Vice President JD Vance called Iran foolish if it cancels the ceasefire for Lebanon. Tehran insists that Lebanon is part of the agreement points, while Israeli strikes continue.
US President Donald Trump emphasised that his country’s military forces remain on alert around Iran, despite agreeing to a ceasefire.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel’s strikes on Lebanon. He warned of significant risks to the US-Iran ceasefire and urged immediate diplomatic channels.
Israel’s massive airstrikes in Lebanon killed hundreds and injured more than a thousand others, triggering a new escalation amid the US-Iran ceasefire.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed 10 conditions for the ceasefire to the US, including halting Israeli strikes in Lebanon. See details of discussions with Macron.