Lebanese authorities announced on Saturday that more than 25 people had been arrested following an attack on a United Nations convoy that left two peacekeepers wounded, including the outgoing deputy commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The assault occurred on Friday when Hezbollah supporters blocked the road leading to Beirut’s international airport for a second consecutive night. The protests erupted after Lebanese officials denied landing permission to two Iranian planes, sparking outrage among Hezbollah and its supporters.
Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar confirmed that over 25 suspects were in custody, with another individual detained by security services. “This does not mean these detainees carried out the attack… but investigations will reveal who is responsible,” Hajjar told reporters following an emergency security meeting. He emphasized that security forces would take all necessary measures to uphold peace and stability, warning that any violations would be met with serious consequences.
UNIFIL condemned the attack and demanded a thorough investigation after one of its vehicles was set ablaze. Outgoing deputy force commander Chok Bahadur Dhakal, a Nepalese national, was injured while heading home after concluding his mission. A second Nepalese peacekeeper was also wounded and hospitalized, according to UNIFIL deputy spokesperson Kandice Ardiel.
On Saturday, tensions remained high as Hezbollah supporters resumed their demonstrations near Beirut airport. The Lebanese army responded with tear gas to disperse the protesters. Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah lawmaker, criticized the army’s actions, accusing them of suppressing a “peaceful sit-in” instead of defending Lebanon from what he called “Israeli dictates” on the airport and the nation’s borders.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed that the attackers “will receive their punishment,” stressing that security forces would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed these sentiments, condemning the “criminal attack” and pledging to apprehend those responsible. Salam discussed the situation with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lazaro, affirming Lebanon’s commitment to protecting international peacekeeping forces operating in the region.
As investigations continue, the incident has heightened concerns over escalating tensions and the fragile political climate in Lebanon, where Hezbollah’s influence remains a central and divisive issue.