A Norwegian observer to the United Nations was injured in an attack in southern Lebanon

The attack occurred outside Rmeish in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel.

We can confirm that a Norwegian observer to the United Nations was slightly injured and is in hospital as a result of an attack in Lebanon. The person concerned is well cared for and has personally informed his next of kin. Defense Forces spokesman Hani Olafsen says the circumstances surrounding the attack are unclear.

According to the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL), the four observers from the United Nations Organization of Observers in the Middle East (UNTSO) were on foot patrol when a hand grenade exploded near them.

The nationality of the other observers has not been confirmed, but according to Hezbollah's Al-Manar channel, they are from Australia and Chile. The translator was Lebanese.

unacceptable

UNIFIL forces describe such attacks against UN staff as “unacceptable.”

– In accordance with international law, all actors have the responsibility to protect non-combatants, including peacekeepers, journalists, health workers and civilians, according to a statement issued by UNIFIL forces.

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Two security sources in the area told Reuters that the observers were injured in an Israeli drone attack, but this has not been confirmed.

Israel refuses

According to Lebanese media, the attack occurred in the village of Wadi Qatamoun, near the border town of Rmeish.

Israel denies being behind the attack.

– Contrary to reports, it was not Israel that attacked, according to the announcement.

Unarmed

Norway has participated with observers in Ontsu since 1956.

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The monitors work closely with UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, but the monitors are not armed.

According to the Norwegian Armed Forces, 13 Norwegian officers are currently serving in Ontsu. Two of them are stationed at UNTSO headquarters in Jerusalem, while the others are stationed in Lebanon, Syria and Israel.

Drone attack

On Friday, Israel carried out a drone attack on a car near the city of Tire in southern Lebanon.

According to the Israeli army, the deputy head of the missile unit in the Hezbollah militia, Ali Abdel Hassan Naim, was killed in that attack.

About 270 Hezbollah members and 50 civilians, including children, health workers and journalists, have been killed in Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon since October.

UNIFIL and the Lebanese government army were also subjected to Israeli attacks.