BEIRUT, May 16 (Xinhua) -- A routine patrol from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was confronted Friday morning by a group of individuals dressed in civilian clothing, resulting in damage to its vehicles, spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said.
"These individuals attempted to stop the patrol using violent means, including metal rods and axes... Fortunately, no injuries were reported," Tenenti said, adding that the Lebanese army arrived at the scene later and escorted the patrol back to its base.
"UNIFIL reminds all parties that its mandate guarantees freedom of movement within its area of operations in South Lebanon. Any restriction of this freedom constitutes a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701," the spokesperson said.
Tenenti underscored that "any targeting of UN peacekeepers while they are performing their Security Council-mandated duties is unacceptable," calling on the Lebanese authorities to ensure they can carry out their mission without threat or obstruction.
These developments come amid a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, which has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024. The truce deal ended more than a year of hostilities between the two sides, triggered by the war in the Gaza Strip. ■
