Four Ghanaian Soldiers injured as rocket strikes UN base in Lebanon

Tragedy struck in Lebanon yesterday when four Ghanaian peacekeepers were injured in a rocket attack on their base, UNP 5-42, in the village of Ramyah. The rocket, likely fired by non-state actors, was intended for an Israeli Defense Force position but fell short, landing within the Ghana Battalion's area.

The explosion damaged the washroom and troop accommodations, injuring the soldiers, three of whom were hospitalized in Tyre.

Attacks on UNIFIL Troops and Facilities

This incident was one of three attacks on UNIFIL troops and facilities that day.

In a statment posted on their X account, UNIFIL stated that five rockets struck the UNIFIL Sector West Headquarters in Shama, causing significant damage to the maintenance workshop, but thankfully no injuries. This marks the second time in less than a week that the Shama base has been impacted, following a 155mm artillery shell strike on November 15, 2024. 

Additionally, a UNIFIL patrol was fired upon by an armed individual near the village of Khirbat Silim, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Investigations and Response

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has launched investigations into these incidents, condemning the attacks as violations of international law and UN resolution 1701. Despite these challenges, peacekeepers continue to monitor and report on violations, maintaining their positions to ensure stability in the region.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) attributed the rocket fire to the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, although Hezbollah has not commented on the incident. The severity of the injured soldiers' injuries remains unknown, but they are currently receiving medical care.