UNIFIL Commander Injured in Violent Hezbollah Supporter Attack in Lebanon

Outgoing commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Lt.-Gen. Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, was injured in a violent attack on Friday as his convoy made its way to Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport. The attack, allegedly carried out by Hezbollah supporters, intensified the already volatile situation in Lebanon.

As UNIFIL personnel attempted to leave the area, their convoy was violently ambushed by Hezbollah supporters. The attackers used iron rods, set fire to one vehicle, and shouted “Shiite, Shiite” during the assault, which resulted in at least one officer being injured. Some UNIFIL personnel managed to flee to the airport, while others were taken to the hospital for medical treatment. UNIFIL has called for a full investigation into the incident, demanding that all those responsible be brought to justice.

Footage circulating online showed protesters waving Hezbollah flags, blocking roads, and setting fires. The Lebanese army intervened, using tear gas to disperse the protesters, who had gathered near the airport. The protests were reportedly driven by a desire to secure the return of Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran and to prevent foreign influence over Lebanon’s government.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack on UNIFIL and reaffirmed Lebanon's support for the peacekeeping force. However, tensions have been rising in Lebanon, particularly in light of recent decisions affecting Iranian flights.

Earlier this week, Lebanon blocked an Iranian plane from landing at Beirut airport after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) accused Iran of using civilian aircraft to smuggle funds to Hezbollah. This move sparked protests by Hezbollah supporters, calling for a stronger stance against foreign intervention in Lebanon's political affairs.

Iran, which supports Hezbollah, responded to the blocking of its plane by preventing Lebanese planes from landing in Tehran. The standoff between Lebanon and Iran, along with the escalating violence and political unrest, threatens to further destabilize the region.