UN investigates civilian obstruction of peacekeepers in southern Lebanon
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 31 December 2014 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN investigates civilian obstruction of peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, 31 December 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54a692f04.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported that a patrol of peacekeepers was obstructed on Tuesday afternoon by a group of civilians who used motor vehicles to block a road near the village of Ramyah.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told a news conference in New York that a backup UNIFIL unit responding to the roadblock was prevented from reaching the first patrol by another group of civilians who also blocked the road.
"During the standoff, the civilians, some of whom were carrying knives and small firearms, were aggressive towards the peacekeepers and tried to forcibly enter UNIFIL vehicles and snatch equipment," Mr. Dujarric said.
"This prompted the UNIFIL troops to undertake a controlled response by firing a warning shot in the air, after which the crowd dispersed. There were no injuries or damage to property reported."
An investigation into the incident is underway, headed by the UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces, to ascertain the facts and circumstances.
"The situation in the area of operations is calm," said Mr. Dujarric. "UNIFIL condemns this aggressive conduct of some civilians towards peacekeepers, which is contrary to the spirit of UNIFIL's relationship with the people of south Lebanon."
