A series of interconnected events has heightened tensions in Lebanon this weekend, beginning with a violent attack on United Nations peacekeepers that has drawn international condemnation.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that their deputy force commander sustained injuries when their convoy was "violently attacked" while en route to Beirut airport on February 14 evening. Lebanese authorities detained more than 25 individuals from Hezbollah in connection with the incident, which potentially dragged the country back into strife following a denial of landing rights of an Iranian airliner.

US State Department officials claimed Hezbollah supporters orchestrated the attack, an allegation the Iran-backed organisation staunchly denied in a statement issued two days later. However, video from the night showed people waving Hezbollah flags.

"We express our firm rejection of any targeting of UNIFIL forces," the group declared, distancing itself from the assault.

In an interview with bnm IntelliNews, UNIFIL's deputy spokesperson in Lebanon, Kandice Ardiel, discussed the convoy attack and its implications for the peacekeeping mission.

The attack on a UNIFIL convoy last week was both shocking and unacceptable. Ardiel stated that what should have been a routine administrative movement transporting personnel to the airport escalated into a violent assault that left the force commander injured.

This incident represents a severe violation of UN Resolution 1701 and directly undermines the peacekeeping mission, which has played a vital role in regional stability since 2006. She added that UNIFIL has launched a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible and hold them accountable.

In response to the attack, UNIFIL is intensifying efforts to ensure justice is served. Any attack on peacekeepers directly challenges international peace efforts and the principles the mission upholds.

Despite this aggression, Ardiel stated that UNIFIL remains committed to its mandate in South Lebanon, maintaining a significant presence to support stability and security. The organisation will not be deterred from its mission and will continue to operate with resilience and determination.

Since its deployment in 2006, UNIFIL has worked closely with local communities, providing essential support and assistance. The mission's primary goal remains to stabilise South Lebanon, ensuring peaceful conditions for residents on both sides of the border.

This work is fundamental to maintaining regional security, and the dedication of peacekeepers to this cause remains unwavering.

Operating in such a volatile environment presents inherent risks. Given the nature of peacekeeping, military personnel are deployed with the expectation of encountering security challenges. UNIFIL continually assesses and adapts its security measures and protocols to address evolving threats.

Ardiel said that the safety of peacekeepers is paramount, as their protection is essential to fulfilling the mission’s broader objective of sustaining peace and stability in the region.

UNIFIL has strongly condemned the attack, stressing that any violence against peacekeepers is an attack on peace itself. Ardiel stated that the mission’s presence in the region benefits all communities, and such incidents only serve to jeopardise collective efforts toward stability.

Despite these challenges, she concluded that UNIFIL remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, with the unwavering support of the international community in condemning acts of violence against those dedicated to preserving stability.