Israel Military Alleges UN Peacekeepers Responsible for Drone Downing
The Israeli Defense Forces have alleged that UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon were responsible for downing one of their drones. This incident reportedly occurred a day prior, while the drone was engaged in an intelligence-gathering mission.
An Israeli military intelligence drone was shot down near Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon during standard intelligence operations, according to a military spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, on X.
Preliminary investigations indicate that UNIFIL forces in close proximity intentionally engaged and brought down the drone. The drone’s actions reportedly did not present any danger to the UNIFIL personnel.
After the drone was downed, military forces deployed a grenade at the location where the unmanned aerial vehicle had crashed.
On Sunday, UNIFIL reported that an Israeli drone conducted a flyover above its patrol in what was described as an “aggressive manner”.
In a statement, it was reported that the peacekeepers employed essential defensive tactics to neutralize the drone.
The statement highlighted concerns over the safety and security of peacekeepers fulfilling their Security Council mandated duties in southern Lebanon, describing the incident as showing a disregard for these critical aspects.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that an additional Israeli drone approached its patrol near the area of Kfar Kila and released a grenade.
Shortly thereafter, an Israeli tank discharged a round in the direction of the peacekeepers. Thankfully, the incident resulted in no injuries or damage to the UNIFIL personnel or equipment, according to the statement.
