In the escalating Middle East tensions, India has voiced its concerns over the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. Israel has been targeting Hezbollah bases within Lebanon. Unfortunately, recent Israeli shelling affected UN peacekeepers too.
Some 600 Indian soldiers are part of the UN peace mission in Lebanon, positioned along the 120-kilometer Blue Line bordering Israel and Lebanon. Amid increasing regional tension and attacks, India is deeply concerned about the safety of these troops.
'Concern Over Deteriorating Security at the Blue Line'
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, 'We are worried about the worsening security at the Blue Line. We are keeping a close watch on the situation, and respecting UN premises and ensuring peacekeepers' safety should be a priority.'
Source: aajtak
Hospitalized UN Peacekeepers
This statement followed a UN announcement confirming repeated attacks by Israeli forces on UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters and surroundings. Fortunately, two injured peacekeepers only suffered minor injuries and are receiving hospital care.
Indian Military's Limited Autonomy Over Soldier Withdrawal
Indian soldiers serve under UNIFIL, comprised of Assam Regiment, engineers, AMC, and other units. Indian military closely monitors the situation for weeks and lacks unilateral power to withdraw troops. Nevertheless, it remains in close coordination with the UN to ensure troop safety.
Israel and Lebanon share a 120 km boundary, known as the 'Blue Line.' Tensions have escalated since IDF initiated their ground operations in Lebanon. Previously, UN advised troops to maintain limited movement and stay within bunkers. Despite challenges, Indian soldiers persist in this mission.
Attacks on UN Troops
Strife between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah severely affects the Middle Eastern landscape. In southern Lebanon, UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops face ongoing attacks, injuring two peacekeepers recently.
Mutual Accusations Continue
Israel accuses Hezbollah of targeting UNIFIL deliberately, while UNIFIL argues that Israeli aerial attacks near their bases aim to use them as human shields.
Escalations in Southern Beirut
Tensions grew as Israeli airstrikes extended from southern Lebanon to Beirut's heart. The highly volatile situation in Beirut saw two airstrikes recently, leading to 18 confirmed deaths.
