UN Condemns Series of Attacks Killing Indonesian TNI Soldiers in Lebanon
The UN has expressed deep sorrow and strong condemnation over the deaths of TNI soldiers participating in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. In two consecutive days, attacks in the Eastern Sector have claimed the lives of Indonesian peacekeepers.
The latest incident occurred on Monday (30/3), when an explosion struck a UNIFIL logistics convoy near Bani Hayyan. This event resulted in two Indonesian personnel being killed and two others injured.
This incident followed just one day after a similar event at the UNIFIL headquarters in Ett Taibe.
On Sunday (29/3), one Indonesian soldier was killed due to an explosion inside the base, while another colleague suffered critical injuries and was evacuated to Beirut.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, emphasised that attacks on peacekeeping forces are completely unjustifiable.
“We strongly condemn this unacceptable incident. Peacekeepers must not be targeted. All actions endangering them must be stopped,” Lacroix stated firmly in New York.
Currently, UNIFIL is conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the exact causes of these explosions.
Lacroix also highlighted the increasingly dangerous situation on the ground due to rising violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, including cross-border attacks along the Blue Line.
The UN reminds all parties that military escalation will not resolve the conflict. Lacroix stressed the importance of returning to existing international agreements.
“There is no military solution. There must be a political solution. The framework is already in place through Resolution 1701,” he said.
To date, the UN continues intensive coordination with the Indonesian Government and communicates with the Israeli military. These steps are taken to minimise risks in the field while ensuring the distribution of humanitarian aid continues despite the highly dangerous conditions.
The incidents have drawn sharp attention from various parties, including international relations observers from Padjadjaran University, Teuku Rezasyah.
Indonesia is one of the largest contributors to UNIFIL, a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon involving more than 10,000 troops from 50 countries.
Despite the increased risks in the field, the TNI remains committed to its international obligations.
The fact-finding process is currently underway internally by the international organisation.