Concern and maximum alert for the Italian soldiers deployed in Lebanon as part of the Unifil mission, following the wounding of four soldiers from the Sassari Brigade , stationed at the Shama base.
The four were reportedly slightly injured when two rockets exploded, hitting a bunker on the base and another building, causing damage to surrounding infrastructure. Some windows shattered in the explosion, hitting the four soldiers.
Below is the official statement released by the mission's top brass following the raids:
«Today, two 122 mm rockets hit the Sector West headquarters in Shama, injuring four Italian peacekeepers who are now receiving treatment at the base hospital. Fortunately, none of the injured are in danger of life.
The rockets, likely fired by Hezbollah or affiliated groups , hit a bunker and logistics area used by the international military police, causing significant damage to nearby infrastructure . One of the structures hit caught fire , but the fire was quickly extinguished by base personnel.
This is the third attack on this UNIFIL base in Shama in a week. Today's attack comes amid heavy shelling and ground skirmishes in the Shama and Naqoura areas in recent days, increasing tensions in the region.
UNIFIL strongly urges parties to the conflict to avoid fighting near its positions. The inviolability of United Nations premises and personnel must be respected at all times.
Any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Deliberate or accidental attacks on peacekeepers serving in southern Lebanon – the UNIFIL note concludes – must cease immediately to ensure their safety and respect international law ".
(Unioneonline/lf)