A large group of civilians wielding metal rods and axes attacked a patrol of UN troops in southern Lebanon on Friday, causing damage to UN vehicles but no injuries, a United Nations peacekeeping force said.

The UN troops used non-lethal force to protect themselves and those present, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), adding the patrol had been on a routine operation between the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbat Silim.

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were notified and arrived shortly after the incident, escorting the patrol back to base.

UNIFIL said the patrol had been pre-planned and coordinated with the LAF.

UN Resolution 1701 guarantees freedom of movement, UNIFIL stresses

The UN peacekeeping mission stressed that its mandate, under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, guarantees freedom of movement in its area of operations with or without LAF accompaniment.
UNIFIL vehicles drive in Marjayoun, southern Lebanon. October 11, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/KARAMALLAH DAHER)
UNIFIL vehicles drive in Marjayoun, southern Lebanon. October 11, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/KARAMALLAH DAHER)
On Wednesday, UNIFIL said that direct fire from the IDF had hit the perimeter of one of its peacekeeping positions in south Lebanon. UNIFIL said the incident on Tuesday was the first of its kind since Israel and Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire last November.