Four Italian soldiers were lightly injured after two rockets exploded at a UNIFIL peacekeeping force base in southern Lebanon.
Outrage Over The Incident
While putting out this information, the government in Rome expressed outrage over the incident.
The U.N. mission known as UNIFIL is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel.
Clashes Between Israeli Troops And Iran-Backed Hezbollah Fighters
This is an area which has seen fierce clashes this month between Israeli troops and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.
Since Israel launched a ground campaign across the border against Hezbollah fighters at the end of September, UNIFIL soldiers have suffered several attacks.
Italian PM Condemns The Attack
“I reiterate once again that such attacks are unacceptable and I renew my call for the parties on the ground to ensure the safety of UNIFIL soldiers at all times and to work together to quickly identify those responsible,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.
Italian sources said an investigation into the facts was under way.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Italian media that Hezbollah might be responsible for the attack.
Damage Caused By Rockets
The Defence Ministry said in a statement that the two 122mm rockets hit a bunker in the base at Chama village and a room near the international military police headquarters.
The rockets also damaged the surrounding infrastructure.
Defence Minister Condemns The Attack
“It is intolerable that once again a UNIFIL base has been hit,” Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said.
Italian Contribution To The Multi-Nation Operation
Italy has long been a major contributor to the 10,000-strong multi-national operation, providing more than 1,000 soldiers.
Israel has also been accused of carrying out some of the attacks, but has denied such incidents were deliberate.
It has told UNIFIL to evacuate from southern Lebanon for its own safety – a request that the force has rejected.
(With inputs from Reuters)
