Army Steps In After UNIFIL Clash with Residents Leaves Several Injured

An incident involving a United Nations peacekeeping patrol and residents of the southern Lebanese town of al-Jmeijmeh escalated into a confrontation on Friday morning, resulting in injuries and conflicting claims over the use of force. The event unfolded in the Bint Jbeil district, where tensions between UNIFIL troops and local communities have occasionally surfaced in the past.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, the altercation began when a multinational UNIFIL patrol entered a privately owned property in the town. Residents and property owners objected to the patrol’s presence, arguing it was not accompanied by Lebanese Army forces, as is often expected during such operations. The situation intensified as residents moved to block the peacekeepers’ progress, citing a breach of procedure.

Use of Force and Immediate Response

Members of the patrol, drawn from the French, Norwegian, Finnish, and Scottish military contingents, responded by discharging warning shots and deploying tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowd. A unit from the Lebanese Army arrived shortly thereafter, facilitating the safe withdrawal of the UN peacekeepers from the scene.

Initial reports noted several individuals, including both peacekeepers and civilians, sustained injuries during the encounter. However, a later statement issued by UNIFIL indicated no injuries were reported among their personnel, while confirming the use of non-lethal methods to manage what they described as an aggressive attempt to obstruct the patrol.

UNIFIL’s spokesperson characterized the situation as deeply concerning, emphasizing that peacekeepers must be allowed to perform their duties safely and without interference. The statement called on Lebanese authorities to uphold the operational mandate of the UN mission and ensure the safety of its personnel.

Residents’ Perspective and Accusations

Contrary to UNIFIL’s account, a statement released by al-Jmeijmeh’s residents claimed at least one civilian was injured. The community accused the peacekeepers of firing live ammunition and tear gas at the crowd. They also alleged that the patrol damaged private property and escalated the confrontation unnecessarily.

The clash comes against a backdrop of longstanding skepticism among certain segments of the Lebanese population regarding the UN’s role in southern Lebanon. Critics, including Hezbollah supporters, frequently accuse UNIFIL of working in alignment with Israeli interests, while Israel has periodically criticized the peacekeeping force for failing to prevent Hezbollah’s military buildup in the region.

Broader Tensions and Recent Incidents

This latest confrontation follows a recent complaint by UNIFIL about provocative behavior from Israeli forces along the border. Earlier in the week, the UN mission reported that Israeli troops had fired across the boundary, with at least one projectile striking a UNIFIL base near Kfarshouba. The incident was cited as an example of the increasing risks faced by peacekeepers stationed in volatile areas along the Lebanon-Israel frontier.

UNIFIL was originally established to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces following their 1978 incursion into Lebanon. Over the years, the mission has evolved to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability in the south, especially after the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

As the investigation into Friday’s events continues, the episode underscores the fragile security environment in southern Lebanon and the complex dynamics facing international peacekeeping forces operating in the region.