The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Monday that its headquarters in Naqura was struck by a projectile, likely fired by a “non-state actor,” following Hezbollah’s declaration that it had targeted Israeli forces in the same town.
Since Saturday, the coastal city in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border has become a hotspot for clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, AFP reported.
“Shortly before midday today, a projectile hit a building inside our headquarters. Our explosive ordnance disposal experts are working to manage the situation. We believe it was fired by a non-state actor,” UNIFIL said in a statement.
The statement came after Hezbollah claimed responsibility for at least two attacks on Israeli forces in Naqura on Monday. The first attack occurred at 11:00 a.m. local time, targeting soldiers near the Naqura municipality building, while the second, at 1:00 p.m., targeted another group of soldiers positioned near Naqura school.
Following the November 2024 ceasefire that ended the previous conflict with Hezbollah, Israel has maintained forces at five positions, including the village of Labbouneh, just three kilometers from Naqura.
UNIFIL noted that over the past 48 hours it observed “intense gunfire and explosions” in and around Naqura, near its headquarters. “Bullets, fragments, and shrapnel have struck buildings and open areas within our compound, putting peacekeepers at risk,” the statement added.
The force reminded all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of peacekeepers.
