Saudi Arabia condemns the attack, and Miqati threatens those responsible
The Irish government escalated its position following the killing of one of its soldiers working within the “UNIFIL” forces in southern Lebanon, and did not rule out the responsibility of “Hezbollah” for the attack on a patrol of these forces when it was on its way from the south to Beirut last Wednesday night.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed the Kingdom’s condemnation and denunciation of the attack on the United Nations force, UNIFIL, in southern Lebanon, calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the attack. The Foreign Ministry expressed the Kingdom’s total rejection of all forms of violence, affirming full support for the “UNIFIL” mission, and also extending its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Ireland, and its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
Simon Coveney, Ireland’s foreign and defense minister, said he did not accept Hezbollah’s assertions that it was not involved. He called for a thorough investigation to find out the full truth.
A specialized Irish team of 8 people, including 3 investigators from the Military Police, is expected to arrive in Lebanon today to examine the circumstances of the incident and provide support to the three wounded soldiers, according to a spokesman for the Irish Ministry of Defense.
UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said that the incident was “very serious, and it is important that the Lebanese authorities ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.” He added that the killing of a UNIFIL peacekeeper is a crime once morest the international community and once morest the peacekeepers present in Lebanon to ensure security along the border with Israel.
Lebanon is currently making efforts to contain the repercussions of the attack. Yesterday, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Army Commander General Joseph Aoun paid a solidarity visit to the UNIFIL headquarters in the border town of Naqoura.
Mikati and Aoun offered their condolences.
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