Rocket Strike on UNIFIL: Austrian Soldiers Injured in Lebanon

Eight Austrian UNIFIL peacekeepers suffered superficial injuries in a rocket strike on their headquarters in southern Lebanon. The incident, amid rising hostilities with Israel, was condemned by Austria's Defence Ministry, which called for an investigation. UNIFIL attributed the attack to Hezbollah or an affiliated group.

Eight Austrian soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) sustained superficial injuries following a rocket attack on the force's headquarters in Naqoura, the Austrian Defence Ministry reported on Tuesday.

UNIFIL, situated in southern Lebanon, plays a crucial role in monitoring hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel—a region currently witnessing intense clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. In a bold denunciation, Austria's Defence Ministry demanded an immediate investigation, noting the origins of the attack remain unclear, though no soldiers required urgent medical attention.

A subsequent statement from UNIFIL indicated that the rocket, igniting a vehicle workshop, was launched from a site to the north, likely by Hezbollah or a related group. With Austria contributing around 180 personnel to the over 10,000-member force, UNIFIL's logistics unit engages in tasks vital for operational sustainability, including transportation, repairs, and firefighting efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)