Two TNI Soldiers Fall in Lebanon, Security for Peacekeeping Forces Tightened
The Indonesian National Army (TNI) has increased vigilance and tightened security for all personnel involved in the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. This step follows a tragic incident that killed two soldiers and injured several others in the conflict zone.
TNI’s Head of Information Centre, Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, stated that security reinforcements are being implemented in line with the rising security escalation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations.
“The TNI has taken steps to enhance vigilance in accordance with the UNIFIL Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The incident occurred amid artillery exchanges, and to date, the party directly responsible cannot be confirmed. The investigation process is still underway by UNIFIL,” Aulia said in his statement on Tuesday (31/3).
Aulia emphasised that despite the heightened risks on the ground, the TNI remains steadfast in its international commitments. The safety of soldiers is now the top priority in every movement within the conflict area.
“The TNI reaffirms its commitment to carrying out its duties as part of the world’s peacekeeping mission under the United Nations mandate in a professional and responsible manner, while still prioritising the safety of its soldiers,” he stressed.
The TNI is currently monitoring field dynamics in real-time and has prepared contingency measures to anticipate the worst possibilities in the Lebanon assignment area.
The Ministry of Defence (Kemenhan) had previously confirmed the deaths of two TNI soldiers while carrying out the UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon. Head of Defence Information Bureau at Kemenhan, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, mentioned that the heartbreaking event occurred on Monday (30/3). “Two TNI soldiers were reported killed, while two others suffered serious injuries,” Rico said in his statement on Tuesday (31/3).
Rico explained that the incident erupted while TNI Task Force personnel were carrying out escort duties to support UNIFIL operational activities. Southern Lebanon is known to be experiencing an escalation of conflict involving artillery firefights.
As of the time this news was published, the exact cause of the attack targeting TNI soldiers is still under thorough investigation by UNIFIL in accordance with applicable international mechanisms.
Based on preliminary information received by the family, the body of Private Farizal is estimated to arrive at the funeral home in two to three days.
The fact-finding process is currently ongoing internally by the international organisation.
The latest incident occurred on Monday (30/3), when an explosion hit a UNIFIL logistics convoy near Bani Hayyan. This event caused two Indonesian personnel to be killed.