The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) spokesperson Andrea Tenenti called upon the Lebanese authorities to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UNIFIL peacekeepers, the National News Agency reported.
Tenenti's remarks came after a large group of civilians stopped a UNIFIL convoy in Kawthariat Al-Sayad village in southern Lebanon, while it was returning to its base inside UNIFIL's area of operation.
He added that civilians confiscated the equipment of the UNIFIL's patrol, prompting the Lebanese army to rush to the area and take control of the situation.
He explained that the Lebanese Army later arrived at the scene and the UNIFIL peacekeepers were able to leave the village, but without the stolen equipment.
Tenenti stressed that UNIFIL’s full freedom of movement and the safety of its personnel are integral parts of the effective implementation of their tasks, noting that the UN secretary-general and Security Council strongly condemn such incidents.
The mandate of UNIFIL was renewed for another year in August 2020, with the Security Council reducing the number of troops from 15,000 to 13,000.
