Ghanaian peacekeepers critically injured in missile attack on UN base in Lebanon

Two Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were critically injured Friday evening when their base came under missile attack in southern Lebanon, the Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed.

A third soldier suffered trauma in the attack, which struck the Ghanaian Battalion Headquarters between 5:45 and 5:52 p.m. local time. The Officers’ Mess facility was hit and completely destroyed by fire, according to a statement issued from Burma Camp.

The injured personnel are receiving treatment at a Level One Medical Bunker, with arrangements under way for evacuation to the UNIFIL headquarters referral hospital for advanced medical care.

Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad, expressed sympathy following the attack and confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the strike.

“This is indeed a tragic event. We send wishes of speedy recovery to the three soldiers,” Ambassador Gilad told MyJoyOnline. He added that the Israel Defense Forces are working to “identify the source of the fire which is being investigated.”

The Ghana Armed Forces has assured the public that other troops remain safe and have taken shelter in underground bunkers amid the volatile security situation.

Diplomatic Response

The Government of Ghana has formally raised the incident at the United Nations through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, calling for enhanced protection of peacekeepers operating in conflict zones.

Officials confirm that Ghana has urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of UN personnel deployed to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Regional Context

The attack comes as southern Lebanon experiences escalating violence between the Israel Defense Forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, placing UNIFIL positions dangerously close to active combat zones.

UNIFIL peacekeepers operate in a buffer zone along the Israel-Lebanon border established under UN Security Council mandates to monitor ceasefire arrangements. However, intensifying military exchanges have increased the risk of accidental or collateral strikes on UN positions.

Ghana’s Peacekeeping Commitment

Ghana remains one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions globally, with personnel serving in multiple operations across Africa and the Middle East.

The incident underscores the growing dangers confronting peacekeepers as regional tensions continue to mount amid the broader geopolitical confrontation unfolding across the Middle East.

Military authorities say investigations into the full circumstances of the attack are continuing, while diplomatic efforts focus on ensuring the safety of Ghanaian personnel serving with the UN mission.

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