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.
Video on this topic
“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.”
#Unacceptable #hand #attack #Tempo
**Interview: Current Situation of the Italian Contingent in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent attacks on the Italian contingent of UNIFIL in Lebanon. Can you share more details about the incident?
**Expert Guest:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed alarming. Recently, two rockets were fired at the UNP 2-3 base in Shama, which houses the Italian troops and the Western Sector Command of UNIFIL. These rockets caused injuries to four Italian soldiers and damaged infrastructure within the base.
**Interviewer:** What do we know about the origin of these rockets?
**Expert Guest:** According to reports, and notably by Rainews 24, it is suspected that these rockets may have been launched by Hezbollah. This escalates concerns about the ongoing volatility in the region and the safety of UN peacekeeping forces.
**Interviewer:** How has the Italian government responded to these attacks?
**Expert Guest:** The response has been swift, with President Giorgia Meloni expressing her deep concern and solidarity with the injured soldiers and their families. She emphasized the necessity for all parties involved to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel and condemned the attacks as unacceptable.
**Interviewer:** What actions are being taken by the Italian Ministry of Defense in light of this incident?
**Expert Guest:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto has reached out to both the Commander of the Italian contingent, Brigadier General Stefano Messina, and his Lebanese counterpart. He reassured that the condition of the injured soldiers is stable. Crosetto underscored Italy’s commitment to peace in southern Lebanon and emphasized that the peacekeepers should not become targets of militia attacks.
**Interviewer:** What does this mean for the future of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon?
**Expert Guest:** The attacks highlight a critical challenge for the UNIFIL mission. Maintaining peace in such a tumultuous environment requires not only military presence but also collaboration with local entities to ensure safety. The ongoing militancy poses significant risks, and the Italian government is advocating for enhanced measures to protect their troops.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insight on this troubling issue. We appreciate your time.
**Expert Guest:** Thank you for shedding light on this situation. It’s essential that we continue to monitor developments closely.