Skip to main content

Ghanaian Soldiers Injured in Rocket Attack on Peacekeeping Base in Lebanon

Sunday, 24 November 2024 | International

Ghanaian Soldiers Injured in Rocket Attack on Peacekeeping Base in Lebanon
Four Ghanaian soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon were injured on Tuesday when a rocket, likely fired by non-state actors, struck their base in the village of Ramyah. The United Nations peacekeeping agency in southern Lebanon confirmed that this incident was part of a series of three attacks on UNIFIL troops and facilities on the same day.

The rocket hit the base, UNP 5-42, located near the Israeli border, injuring four Ghanaian soldiers. Of the four soldiers, three required hospital treatment, although the exact severity of their injuries remains unclear. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has confirmed that the injured soldiers are receiving medical care and are being treated in a local hospital.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), which is currently engaged in a ground invasion of southern Lebanon against the Hezbollah group, have attributed the rocket fire to Lebanese armed factions. However, Hezbollah has not made any official statements regarding the attack. It is believed that the rocket was intended for an IDF position but fell short, landing within the Ghana Battalion's area at the UNP 5-42 base. The explosion caused significant damage to the washroom and accommodation facilities where the injured soldiers were stationed.

UNIFIL has confirmed that three of the injured soldiers were transferred to a hospital in Tyre for further medical attention. Despite the injuries, the situation at the base remains under control, and efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the rocket strike.

In addition to the rocket attack on the Ghanaian soldiers, another incident occurred that day, as five rockets struck the UNIFIL Sector West Headquarters in Shama. This attack caused substantial damage to the maintenance workshop, though, fortunately, there were no injuries reported from that incident. The attacks underscore the increasingly volatile situation in southern Lebanon, where tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli Defence Forces have escalated in recent weeks.

The peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, conducted by UNIFIL, has been a stabilizing force in the region for many years, monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. However, recent flare-ups in violence have led to an uptick in attacks on peacekeeping forces, including the rocket incident involving the Ghanaian soldiers. UNIFIL has continued to work closely with the Lebanese Army and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers in the region.

The recent attacks on UNIFIL troops and infrastructure highlight the challenges faced by peacekeeping forces operating in volatile conflict zones. While the international community remains committed to supporting peacekeeping efforts, the ongoing instability in southern Lebanon poses a significant risk to the safety of both local civilians and peacekeepers.

As investigations into the rocket attack continue, the UN and other international bodies are expected to provide further updates on the situation, including any additional security measures that may be implemented to protect peacekeepers in the region.

Leave a comment

You are commenting as guest.