[Updated March 31, 2026] In a recent development, two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon after a roadside explosion targeted their convoy, as confirmed by UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix in an initial investigation report. The explosion occurred near Bani Hayyan, completely destroying the peacekeepers' vehicle, according to a statement from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).
One additional peacekeeper was severely injured, while another sustained minor injuries during the incident. This event constitutes the second fatal attack on peacekeepers in recent days, following another incident on the previous day, where a projectile, also of unknown origin, detonated and killed another Indonesian peacekeeper, identified as Chief Private Farizal Rhomadhon.
Unifil is currently conducting investigations to determine the details surrounding both fatal incidents. Initial findings suggested that the Monday explosion likely involved an improvised explosive device (IED).
This tragic occurrence comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, as the Israeli military announced plans to increase ground and air attacks against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. In a Telegram statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated that it was not responsible for the Bani Hayyan explosion, asserting that their troops were not present in the area.
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the need to protect peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon, whose mission has been to maintain stability along the de facto border between the two nations.
The slain peacekeepers were identified as Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan. With approximately 339 peacekeepers having lost their lives since the establishment of the mission in 1978, the international community continues to grapple with ensuring their safety while striving for regional peace.
One additional peacekeeper was severely injured, while another sustained minor injuries during the incident. This event constitutes the second fatal attack on peacekeepers in recent days, following another incident on the previous day, where a projectile, also of unknown origin, detonated and killed another Indonesian peacekeeper, identified as Chief Private Farizal Rhomadhon.
Unifil is currently conducting investigations to determine the details surrounding both fatal incidents. Initial findings suggested that the Monday explosion likely involved an improvised explosive device (IED).
This tragic occurrence comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, as the Israeli military announced plans to increase ground and air attacks against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. In a Telegram statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated that it was not responsible for the Bani Hayyan explosion, asserting that their troops were not present in the area.
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the need to protect peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon, whose mission has been to maintain stability along the de facto border between the two nations.
The slain peacekeepers were identified as Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan. With approximately 339 peacekeepers having lost their lives since the establishment of the mission in 1978, the international community continues to grapple with ensuring their safety while striving for regional peace.
