UNIFIL peacekeeper dies after mortar attack in southern Lebanon

A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeper has died from wounds sustained during a mortar attack on a position in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred on Wednesday night near Marjayoun, according to a UNIFIL statement released Thursday.

Two other peacekeepers were injured in the attack and are currently receiving medical care. "Immediately after the incident that occurred last night, the seriously injured peacekeeper was airlifted to a hospital in Beirut where he succumbed to his injuries," UNIFIL stated. The force has not yet identified the nationality of the fallen peacekeeper but has initiated an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the tragic event.

This incident follows a similar attack in late March 2026, when artillery fire targeted the Indonesian contingent's headquarters in Adshit al-Qusayr, Marjayoun District. That attack resulted in the death of Indonesian soldier Praka Farizal Rhomadhon and left several others wounded, drawing international condemnation.

UNIFIL has reported observing extensive military activity in its area of operations over the past three days. A UN spokesperson noted that peacekeepers observed over 1,296 trajectories or projectiles attributed to the Israeli Defense Forces and 64 trajectories or projectiles attributed to Hezbollah during a recent period.