At a regular press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haque said standard protocols were followed and electronic security procedures were used to bring down the unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
UNIFIL has launched an investigation into the incident.
Even before this downing of the unidentified drone, there have been other incidents of security concern, including at least five UNIFIL peacekeepers injured by Israeli fire in recent days and some UNIFIL posts and positions also damaged.
Israeli forces fired multiple rounds into UNIFIL positions, causing at least 15 UN peacekeepers to suffer smoke effects, including skin and digestive problems.
Security Council Order (mandate)
UNIFIL was established by the Security Council in 2006 to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
This includes ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and helping the Lebanese government regain power in that area.
The Maritime Task Force (MTF) of this mission has been deployed since October 2006. The force assists the Lebanese Navy in conducting surveillance in territorial waters, ensuring the security of Lebanon’s coastal areas, and preventing the unauthorized entry of weapons and other goods into Lebanon by sea.
The task force consists of five ships and one helicopter, donated by various countries.
Violation of airspace
Meanwhile, UNIFIL reported that Israeli forces committed the highest number of violations in Lebanese airspace in one day since Wednesday, October 8, 2023, with 60.
“Attacks were reported across Lebanon, including in the Bekaa Valley, Sidon and Nabadieh,” UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haque told a news conference. “Hezbollah attacks continue in Israel, including Haifa.”
Additionally, during the past 24 hours, UN peacekeepers have heard gunfire on both sides of the Blue Line – the border between Israel and Lebanon.
Farhan Haque said that some military activities of the Israeli forces are also continuing in UNIFIL’s area of operations. “Some such activities have also taken place near UN posts, which have undermined the safety and security of peacekeepers.”