UN peacekeepers call for protection from civilian attacks in southern Lebanon

Lebanese Elnashra news website reported that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Sunday (June 12) called on the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UNIFIL forces.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said that there were "attacks, threats and acts of intimidation against UNIFIL peacekeepers who serve the cause of peace are a matter of grave concern.”

His remarks came after a group of civilians on Saturday stopped a group of UNIFIL peacekeepers outside of the Lebanese southern village of Louaize, threatening to disarm them while they were on routine patrol, the Xinhua reported.

Tenenti added that UNIFIL enjoys full freedom of movement and the right to patrol within its areas of operations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

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He added the mission's "primary concern is maintaining stability in southern Lebanon in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces and with the support of residents in the area."

Source: xinhua