Two more UNIFIL peacekeepers killed in south Lebanon explosion ‘of unknown origin’

Two UNIFIL troops were killed in southern Lebanon today, says the United Nations peacekeeping force there, “when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan.”

Two other peacekeeping troops were hurt, including one severely wounded. The force says it has launched an investigation into the incident.

UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix tells reporters that the two peacekeepers were Indonesian.

The incident comes a day after an Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeeper was killed when a projectile exploded at a position near the southern Lebanese village of Adchit al-Qusayr.

“We reiterate that no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace,” says UNIFIL.

“We reiterate the urgent need for all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times, including avoiding any actions that may put peacekeepers in danger,” says the UN mission. “Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may constitute war crimes.”

“The human cost of this conflict is far too high,” it says. “The violence, as we have said before, must end.”

Reuters contributed to this report.