Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BEIRUT, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said late Monday that Israeli tanks fired shells at peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, calling the move a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
A UNIFIL statement said peacekeepers observed two Israeli Merkava tanks advancing from an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) position in Lebanon near the town of Sarda into Lebanon earlier on Monday. Despite the peacekeepers' demands to halt their advance, the Israeli tank fired three shells, two of which landed approximately 150 meters from the peacekeepers.
According to the statement, when UN personnel retreated for safety, they "continued to be targeted by the tanks' laser designators." The tanks retreated after approximately half an hour, and no casualties were reported.
UNIFIL said it had informed the IDF in advance of the activity in the area in accordance with standard patrol procedures near the Blue Line, and that such attacks on clearly designated peacekeeping forces carrying out their tasks were becoming more frequent.
UNIFIL called on the IDF to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and stop attacks on them, noting that such actions undermine regional stability.
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