Outrage over yet another episode against the peacekeepers in Lebanon. Four Italian soldiers from the Unifil mission were injured following the launch of two 122 mm rockets fired at the UNP 2-3 base in Shama, in southern Lebanon, which hosts the Italian contingent and the Western Sector Command of Unifil. The military would not be serious. According to the initial reconstruction of the Ministry of Defense, the two rockets hit a bunker on the base and a room near the international military police, causing damage to the surrounding infrastructure. Some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. The two rockets could belong to Hezbollah, as reported by Rainews 24.
“I learn with deep indignation and concern the news of the new attacks suffered by the Italian headquarters of Unifil in southern Lebanon, which also caused the wounding of some of our soldiers engaged in a peacekeeping mission”, states the president of I recommend Giorgia Meloni. “I would like to express my and the Government’s solidarity and closeness to the wounded, their families and sincere gratitude for the activity carried out daily by the entire Italian contingent in Lebanon. I reiterate once again”, continues Meloni, “that such attacks are unacceptable and I renew my appeal for the parties on the ground to guarantee, at all times, the safety of Unifil soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible”.
“I immediately contacted the Commander of the Contingent, Brigadier General Stefano Messina – says the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto – to make sure of the conditions of the four soldiers, who do not cause concern. I also contacted my Lebanese counterpart reiterating that the Italian contingent of Unifil remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks. It is intolerable that once again a Unifil base has been established hit.” “I will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister – he adds – which has been impossible since his inauguration until today, to ask him to avoid using the Unifil bases as a shield. Even more intolerable is the presence of terrorists in Southern Lebanon which jeopardize the safety of the peacekeepers and the civilian population” declared the minister.
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“In wishing a speedy recovery to the four Italian soldiers who were injured, I would also like to express my total disappointment and my firm condemnation for yet another serious and unacceptable missile launch against the UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon. Finally, our gratitude goes to all our women and men in uniform, engaged under the aegis of the UN in a very delicate area of the Middle East”, commented Ignazio La Russa, president of the Senate of the Republic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Sky Tg 24 about the soldiers involved: “It seems that none of these have serious injuries. They are bruises, only one lieutenant seems to have light wounds, they do not appear to be serious injuries. None of them They are in danger, their injuries are not serious. Fortunately, things happened in the right direction even if what happened is unacceptable and intolerable.”
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What are the potential repercussions of the recent attack on the UNIFIL base for the safety protocols of international peacekeepers in Lebanon?
**Interview with Military Analyst on Recent Attack in Lebanon**
**Host:** Welcome back to today’s special segment. We’re here with Colonel (Ret.) Marco Rossi, a military analyst specializing in international peacekeeping missions, to discuss the recent attack on the UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon that injured four Italian soldiers. Colonel Rossi, thank you for joining us.
**Colonel Rossi:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** To start, can you give us an overview of what happened at the Unifil base in Shama?
**Colonel Rossi:** Certainly. On November 22, two rockets were fired at the UNP 2-3 base where the Italian contingent is stationed. Initial reports indicate that the rockets hit a bunker and a room close to the international military police area, causing damage to the infrastructure and injuring four soldiers due to shattered glass from the explosion. The attack appears to be linked to Hezbollah, as suggested by Rainews 24.
**Host:** How significant is this incident in terms of the safety of UN peacekeepers in the region?
**Colonel Rossi:** It is highly concerning. This is not an isolated incident; rather, it reflects an ongoing pattern of hostility towards UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, especially the Italian contingent. The increased frequency of these attacks raises urgent questions about the security measures in place for peacekeepers and the stability of the region overall.
**Host:** We heard from the Italian President Giorgia Meloni expressing deep concern over these attacks. How important is political support for the troops stationed abroad?
**Colonel Rossi:** Political support is crucial. Statements from leaders like President Meloni not only reassure the soldiers and their families but also send a message to international bodies regarding the importance of protecting peacekeeping missions. It reinforces that these missions are integral to international stability and peace and that attacks on them are unacceptable.
**Host:** The Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, mentioned contacting the Lebanese counterpart and expressing intolerance for militia attacks. What measures can countries like Italy advocate for to enhance the security of their troops?
**Colonel Rossi:** To enhance security, there must be a concerted international effort to strengthen collaboration with local authorities. Countries can advocate for stronger rules of engagement for UN forces, enhance intelligence-sharing regarding threats, and ensure better physical security around base locations. Furthermore, diplomatic pressure on factions like Hezbollah can be instrumental in reducing such attacks.
**Host:** Lastly, what do you think the long-term implications of these attacks could be for Italy’s role in UN peacekeeping?
**Colonel Rossi:** If these attacks continue, they could affect Italy’s commitment to the mission. There’s always a risk that such incidents may lead to troop withdrawal or a reassessment of engagement in the area. It’s important for the international community to stand firm and support the mission to ensure its objectives of peace and stability are met.
**Host:** Thank you, Colonel Rossi, for your insights on this troubling situation. We hope for a swift recovery for the injured soldiers and peace in the region.
**Colonel Rossi:** Thank you for having me.