The outgoing deputy force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was injured on Friday after a convoy transporting peacekeepers to Beirut airport came under attack by rioters who blocked the Beirut airport road, the mission said in a statement.

The UNIFIL convoy was targeted in an assault that saw one of its vehicles set ablaze. The deputy force commander, who was returning home after completing his mission, sustained injuries in the attack.

“We are shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been serving to restore security and stability to south Lebanon during a difficult time,” UNIFIL said.

The peacekeeping force emphasized that attacks on its personnel constitute "flagrant violations" of international law and could amount to "war crimes." It called on Lebanese authorities to conduct a full and immediate investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

UNIFIL reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon in line with its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701. 

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable.”  

“Such an act of violence threatens the safety of United Nations staff who work tirelessly to maintain stability in Lebanon, sometimes at great personal risk,” she said in a statement.  

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in calls with Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lázaro, strongly denounced the “criminal attack” and pledged to apprehend those responsible.