The United Nations slammed as "unacceptable" an overnight attack against peacekeepers in southern Lebanon; spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday.
The peacekeepers — members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) — were attacked late Tuesday night by "unknown perpetrators;" he said.
"Their UN vehicles were vandalized and official items were stolen;" Dujarric said; without specifying the nature of the damage or the state of the victims.
He noted that the peacekeepers were not on private property or taking photos; "contrary to some subsequent media disinformation;" AFP reported.
Instead; they were en route to meet Lebanese Armed Forces members for a "routine patrol;" he said.
"The denial of UNIFIL's freedom of movement and any aggression against those serving the cause of peace is unacceptable;" said Dujarric; before calling on the Lebanese government to "investigate quickly and thoroughly; and prosecute all those responsible for these crimes."
UNIFIL — comprised of about 13;000 UN peacekeepers — has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978; and is responsible for monitoring the ceasefire along the border with Israel.
