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 injured Italian soldiers, 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 implications of the recent attacks on Unifil’s security and operational effectiveness in Lebanon?
**Interview with Military Expert Dr. Laura Francini on Recent Attacks on Unifil Base in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Francini. The recent attacks on the Unifil base in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to four Italian soldiers, have raised significant concerns. What is your assessment of the situation?
**Dr. Francini:** Thank you for having me. The attacks are indeed alarming and reflect the ongoing volatility in the region. The fact that two rockets believed to be fired by Hezbollah struck the base indicates a serious escalation in hostilities. It’s concerning for the safety of not just the peacekeepers but also the local civilian population.
**Interviewer:** President Giorgia Meloni expressed deep indignation and emphasized the need for the safety of Unifil soldiers. How critical is it for international actors to support the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon?
**Dr. Francini:** It is crucial. The peacekeeping mission, including the Italian contingent, plays an essential role in stabilizing the region. Without strong international backing and clear communication regarding security, these missions can struggle to operate effectively. The safety of peacekeepers must remain a priority, and all parties should work to ensure their protection.
**Interviewer:** The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, has stated that Unifil cannot become hostage to militia attacks. What measures can be taken to enhance the security of peacekeeping forces in such volatile environments?
**Dr. Francini:** Enhanced security measures are needed, including increased intelligence-sharing between nations, improved surveillance of the area, and perhaps more robust defensive capabilities at the bases. Furthermore, diplomatic efforts to engage all parties in the region to deter attacks are equally important. It’s a complex situation that requires a multifaceted approach.
**Interviewer:** Given the historical context and the presence of various militant groups, what can be expected moving forward regarding the stability of Lebanon and the role of Unifil?
**Dr. Francini:** The situation is precarious. Continued militia activity poses a significant risk to stability, and if these attacks persist, it may threaten the operational capacity of Unifil. As tensions rise, the international community will need to engage more actively to mediate peace and ensure that these peacekeeping forces can perform their crucial role without being drawn into conflicts.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Francini, for your insights on this pressing issue. It is indeed a complicated scenario, and we hope for the safety of all involved.
**Dr. Francini:** Thank you for having me. Hope is all we can have in such challenging times.