A French soldier serving with the UNIFIL mission has been killed and three others injured after an attack in southern Lebanon, according to officials.
According to the Reuters, the troops were reportedly clearing a route to access a UN position when they were ambushed. Initial assessments from UN peacekeepers suggest the gunfire may have come from non-state actors, with suspicion directed toward Hezbollah, although the group has denied any involvement.
Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident, calling it unacceptable, and urged Lebanese authorities to identify and hold those responsible accountable. He communicated directly with Lebanese leaders following the attack.
The peacekeeping force confirmed that two of the injured personnel are in serious condition. The Lebanese army has launched an investigation, while political leaders in the country have also denounced the violence.
The attack occurred in a village in southern Lebanon, an area that has seen heightened tensions despite a recently announced temporary ceasefire. In a separate development, Israeli forces said they had carried out operations against militants in the same region, citing self-defense measures.
The UNIFIL mission, established in 1978, continues to operate in the region amid recurring conflicts and security challenges.