UNIFIL Peacekeepers In Lebanon Injured By Rocket Attack

UN peacekeepers hold their flag, as they observe Israeli excavators attempt to destroy tunnels built by Hezbollah, near the southern Lebanese-Israeli border village of Mays al-Jabal, Lebanon on

Eight Austrian members of the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) stationed in southern Lebanon sustained minor injuries after being hit by a rocket likely fired by Hezbollah, UNIFIL confirmed on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when a rocket struck UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, causing a vehicle workshop to catch fire. At the time of the attack, peacekeepers were not in bunkers, resulting in the injuries to the soldiers.

All eight injured soldiers are Austrian nationals and members of a maintenance platoon stationed in Lebanon, as stated by Austrian defense ministry spokesperson Michael Bauer. Fortunately, the injuries were reported as minor, with no serious injuries among the peacekeepers.

Rocket strike likely from Hezbollah caused minor injuries at UNIFIL headquarters.

Eight Austrian UNIFIL peacekeepers injured by rocket in southern Lebanon.

Peacekeepers not in bunkers during attack, resulting in injuries.

UNIFIL has initiated an investigation into the incident, attributing the rocket launch to a group likely affiliated with Hezbollah. The attack has been strongly condemned by Austrian defense minister Klaudia Tanner, who called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the vicinity of the UN mission sites.

This recent attack is not the first time that the UNIFIL headquarters have faced threats. In a previous incident on October 10, two UN peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli tank fired toward an observation tower at the base, according to UNIFIL reports.