Facts on Two TNI-UNIFIL Soldiers Killed Again in Lebanon Within 24 Hours
Attacks on peacekeeping forces violate international law.
Two Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers integrated into the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission have again been killed in Lebanon. The incident marks the second tragedy within 24 hours amid escalating Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, which are intensifying.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, stated that two Indonesian personnel died after their vehicle was destroyed by an explosion of unknown origin. Two other peacekeepers were also injured, one of them in serious condition.
The latest incident occurred on Monday (30/3), just one day after one TNI soldier, Private First Class Farizal Rhomadhon, was killed by a projectile explosion near a UNIFIL position. In the previous incident, three other personnel were also injured.
The explosion that killed the two TNI soldiers took place in southern Lebanon, a hotspot of conflict. The UNIFIL logistics vehicle was reported to have been completely destroyed by the blast.
On the same day, the Lebanese military reported that one of its soldiers was killed in an Israeli attack in the Tyre region. Security sources also reported that three Hezbollah members were killed in an attack on the southern outskirts of Beirut.
UNIFIL has opened an investigation to uncover the incident. The Israeli military also stated it is conducting an investigation to determine whether the incident is related to Hezbollah activities or their own operations. The UN has once again strongly condemned the deaths of peacekeeping forces.
“This incident is unacceptable. All actions that endanger peacekeepers must be stopped,” said UN Deputy Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
Several countries have reacted. France is pushing for a UN Security Council meeting, while Spain has strongly condemned the deadly attack.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned the targeting of peacekeeping forces and is continuing international communications to de-escalate the conflict. The UN has also called for an immediate ceasefire to halt the escalation of violence.
Private First Class Farizal Rhomadhon was one of the TNI soldiers serving in the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) in Lebanon.
The deaths of soldiers in this global peacekeeping mission have brought deep sorrow to the TNI ranks, especially the extended family of the Iskandar Muda Regional Command.
Based on preliminary information received by the family, Private First Class Farizal’s body is expected to arrive at the funeral home in two to three days.
The latest incident occurred on Monday (30/3), when an explosion hit a UNIFIL logistics convoy near Bani Hayyan. This event resulted in the deaths of two Indonesian personnel.
Despite the increasing risks in the field, the TNI remains committed to its international obligations.
Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in a separate incident in the occupied West Bank on Monday (30/3), according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the Israeli military.
President Prabowo Subianto, who has offered himself as a mediator, is pursuing efforts towards de-escalation and ceasefire.
A Hamas commander was abducted in Gaza City, triggering a search operation. In the West Bank, Israeli military shot dead a Palestinian youth during a raid in Hebron.
UNIFIL is the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon involving more than 10,000 troops from 50 countries. Indonesia is one of the largest contributors.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties to comply with international law.