As the Ministry of Defense announced in a press release, the injuries were only minor and superficial. Emergency medical care was not necessary. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) condemned the “serious incident – allegedly caused by Hezbollah or allied groups – in the strongest possible terms.”
“Absolutely unacceptable”
“All those involved are called upon to immediately ensure the safety of all peacekeepers. It is absolutely unacceptable that UN peacekeepers are being put in danger,” emphasized Nehammer, according to the broadcast. Austria is using all diplomatic options and is demanding rapid and comprehensive clarification.
“Attacks on UN peacekeepers must stop immediately,” demanded Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on X.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) also condemned the attack “in the strongest terms.” As ministry spokesman Michael Bauer told the APA when asked, they were lucky in misfortune. The soldiers’ injuries “do not go beyond small flesh wounds and abrasions.” They are currently receiving medical care at Camp Naqoura. Flying the injured out and returning to Austria is currently not up for debate, said Bauer.
Video: What is known so far
Meanwhile, UNIFIL confirmed that a rocket from the north hit the peacekeeping mission’s headquarters in the afternoon. It was fired “probably by Hezbollah or a group close to it.” A vehicle workshop was set on fire by the shelling.
“Will not be tolerated”
Defense Minister Tanner called on all warring parties to ensure the safety of the peacekeepers. “It cannot and will not be tolerated that the blue helmet soldiers of the UN peace mission are put in danger, intentionally or unintentionally,” said the ÖVP minister. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) also expressed his outrage at the attack on the UNIFIL camp on X.
As the Ministry of Defense announced, the minister has no media appointment planned on Tuesday regarding the incident.
The UNIFIL Camp Naqoura is located about 110 kilometers south of the Lebanese capital Beirut on the border with Israel. All Austrian UNIFIL soldiers are stationed there. According to the ministry, the eight injured soldiers were members of the repair platoon.
The UNIFIL peacekeeping force has been stationed in Lebanon since 1978 and includes around 10,000 soldiers and civilians. Austria is taking part in the mission with 158 soldiers.
The article was last updated at 5:15 p.m.
