UN Peacekeepers' Patrol Fired Upon in Southern Lebanon

Shelling near Wadi Jilu

A UN peacekeeping patrol came under fire on Tuesday evening in the Wadi Jilu area in southern Lebanon, reported the UN mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in its statement. According to the mission, about ten shots were fired at the peacekeepers, who were carrying out a routine patrol. The peacekeepers noticed the muzzle flash and returned fire, after which the shooting stopped. No one among them was injured.

The mission's response

UNIFIL stated that «deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 and international humanitarian law», and called on the Lebanese government to immediately launch an investigation to identify those responsible and hold them accountable. The mission also reminded that all parties are obliged under international law to protect UN personnel and property at all times.

Context: end of the mandate

The incident occurred amid growing concern in Lebanon about a possible security vacuum in the south of the country after UNIFIL's mandate expires at the end of 2026. According to the Anadolu agency, Israeli strikes and a military presence in southern Lebanon continue, while international security mechanisms after the mission's withdrawal remain uncertain. In August 2025, the UN Security Council extended UNIFIL's mandate for the last time — until December 31, 2026, with a gradual and safe withdrawal of forces in 2027. The mission has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978; after the 2006 war, its mandate was expanded: it monitors the cessation of hostilities, supports the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south, reports on violations, and maintains liaison with the Lebanese and Israeli sides.