Following Israeli Attack, TNI Affirms Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon Continues
Head of the TNI Information Centre at Headquarters, Major General TNI Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, has assured that the force will continue its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon despite its soldiers being targeted by artillery fire.
“TNI reaffirms its commitment to carrying out its duties as part of the world’s peacekeeping mission under the United Nations (UN) mandate in a professional and responsible manner, while prioritising the safety of its soldiers,” Aulia said when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday (30/3).
He stated that the peacekeeping assignment is part of the TNI’s mandate to fulfil the state’s aim of creating world peace, in accordance with the preamble of the 1945 Constitution.
Nevertheless, Aulia assured that the TNI will not neglect the safety of its soldiers in Lebanon.
The TNI has instructed its soldiers to enhance operational vigilance while on duty, in line with the standards set by the UN.
While carrying out their tasks, the TNI will also continue to monitor the situation in Lebanon to determine subsequent steps.
“The TNI is also continuously monitoring developments on the ground and preparing contingency measures in accordance with the dynamics in the area of assignment in Lebanon,” he said.
It is known that one TNI soldier was declared fallen and three others were injured due to an artillery attack while carrying out the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon on Sunday (29/3).
Aulia explained that the attack stemmed from the escalating conflict in the Lebanon region, particularly in southern Lebanon.
This escalation in conflict triggered several attacks, one of which targeted the area where the Indonesian contingent’s soldiers were located in the city of Adshit al-Qusyar in southern Lebanon on Sunday (29/3).
The soldier who fell due to the attack was Corporal Farizal Rhomadhon. The three other soldiers who were injured are Corporal Rico Pramudia, Corporal Bayu Prakoso, and Corporal Arif Kurniawan.
“The fallen soldier is currently laid to rest at the East Sector Headquarters (HQ) and is in the process of administrative arrangements for repatriation to Indonesia with assistance from the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut,” Aulia said.
“Corporal Rico Pramudia suffered severe injuries, while Corporal Bayu Prakoso and Corporal Arif Kurniawan sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment,” he added.
Aulia himself has not yet been able to explain who was behind the attack or its motives.
“The incident occurred amid mutual artillery exchanges, and to date, it cannot be confirmed which party directly caused the incident. The investigation process is still being conducted by UNIFIL,” he clarified.