Lebanon PM’s wants an investigation into the UN convoy attack
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Sulaiman
- . December 20, 2022
- . Update: December 20, 2022 2:52 pm
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has vowed a probe into the alleged attack on a UN (United Nations) peacekeeping convoy near the village of Al-Aqabiya in Lebanon that left one soldier dead.
Mikati said on Monday that “accountability must be taken.” He further added that it was “unacceptable to undermine the gravity of the incident.” In a meeting with journalists, he demanded a full investigation into the matter. Mikati expressed his deep regret over the tragic incident.
According to Arab News, further investigation into the matter is underway. The Lebanese Army Intelligence Directorate has started investigating the whole incident. The Lebanese army offered its condolences over the death of the soldier.
Read | Lebanon PM’s wants an investigation into the UN convoy attack
Pvt. Sean Rooney, 23, an Irish soldier, was killed on Wednesday during an attack near the village of Al-Aqabiya. His UN Interim Force convoy was shot by fire. The convoy carried eight personnel. During the attack, three other soldiers were also injured.
Another soldier, identified as Pvt. Shane Kearney, is currently in critical condition in an UN-managed hospital. The other two soldiers had minor injuries, while the other four soldiers were not injured. Subsequently, UN chief Antonio Guterres called for further investigations into the matter.
A Hezbollah official said that the armed group was not involved in the accident. Wafiq Safa also offered his condolences over the death of the Irish soldier.
Mikati visited UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) headquarters last week. UNIFIL operates in the south near the border. The peacekeepers have been in Lebanon since 1978.
Mikati said that the attack took place outside the UNIFIL area of operations. Defense Minister Maurice Slim also demanded full investigations. He said that all involved in the accident will be held accountable.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin also expressed grief over the incident. Ireland’s defence minister also condemned the incident.
