Peacekeepers Killed by Roadside Explosion in Lebanon, Initial Report Finds

Two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in a roadside explosion near Bani Hayyan in southern Lebanon on Monday, according to UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix. The incident, which occurred within 24 hours of a similar fatality, was highlighted in an initial investigation report shared with the UN Security Council. A third peacekeeper suffered serious injuries, while a fourth was lightly wounded, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) confirmed.

UN Peacekeeping Chief’s Statement

Lacroix indicated the explosion “struck the convoy,” likely caused by an IED (improvised explosive device). Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, later added that the deaths “most likely” resulted from such a device. In the Sunday incident, another Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile exploded in Adchit Al Qusayr, with Dujarric noting the event may have been triggered by “an explosive that landed in the position the Indonesians were holding.”

IDF Response

“A comprehensive operational examination indicates that no explosive device was placed in the area by IDF troops, and that no IDF troops were present in the area at all,”

stated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a Telegram message. The IDF claimed its own review ruled out its involvement in the Bani Hayyan attack. Separately, the IDF reported that four soldiers were killed and two others injured in combat in southern Lebanon on Tuesday.

Peacekeeper Casualties and Context

Unifil described the victims as “brave peacekeepers who gave their lives in service of peace” and expressed condolences to their families. The force, established in 1978 by the UN Security Council, operates as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon, patrolling the “Blue Line” alongside the Lebanese army. Over 339 peacekeepers have been killed since the mission began.

The incidents follow Israel’s decision to intensify ground and air strikes against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia and political party. Hezbollah has retaliated by launching rockets into Israel, responding to US-Israeli military actions in Iran. Despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement, Israel continues near-daily strikes on Hezbollah targets, accusing the group of violating the terms. The armed group claims it has not disarmed and remains in southern positions, criticizing Unifil and the Lebanese army for insufficient efforts to clear the area.

According to the Lebanese health ministry, 1,268 people have died in Lebanon since the ceasefire began, including 124 children. Antara, the Indonesian news agency, identified the Sunday victim as Chief Private Farizal Rhomadhon. The Monday casualties were Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan.