A group of civilians briefly blocked a United Nations peacekeeping patrol in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, in the latest of a growing number of confrontations between local residents and UN troops in the region.

The incident took place in the town of Yater, located in the Bint Jbeil district, where tensions have been escalating over UNIFIL’s movements. Many residents have insisted in recent weeks that peacekeepers only operate in the area when accompanied by Lebanese Army personnel.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said the peacekeepers were halted by “a group of men in civilian clothing” while conducting a scheduled patrol that had been coordinated in advance with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

“The situation remained calm, and the peacekeepers were able to continue on their way after about thirty minutes,” Tenenti said in a statement. “Contrary to some media reports, the peacekeepers did not draw their weapons.”

His comments came after Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported a standoff between an armored UNIFIL convoy and Yater residents. According to the report, the patrol entered a residential area of the town, prompting locals to confront the soldiers, who were allegedly seen brandishing their weapons. The standoff was eventually resolved after a Lebanese Army unit arrived at the scene.

While confirming the interruption, UNIFIL pushed back strongly on the claim that any weapons had been raised, emphasizing that its troops remained composed and professional throughout the encounter.

“We remind everyone that peacekeepers operate in southern Lebanon at the request of the Lebanese government and under a mandate from the UN Security Council,” Tenenti said. “Our activities are coordinated with the Lebanese Army. Any interference with peacekeepers’ operations is unacceptable and violates Lebanon’s obligations under Resolution 1701.”

UNIFIL has seen a rise in such incidents in recent weeks, particularly in southern towns where distrust toward international forces has grown. Earlier this month, the peacekeeping mission urged Lebanese authorities to ensure that its personnel are able to carry out their duties without obstruction or threats.