Four Ghanaian soldiers deployed on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon were injured on Tuesday when a rocket struck their base, UNP 5-42, located in the village of Ramyah near the Israeli border. The rocket, believed to have been launched by non-state actors, represents one of three attacks on UN troops and facilities in southern Lebanon reported on the same day.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which oversees peacekeeping operations in the region, confirmed the injuries and stated that the affected soldiers are currently receiving medical care. Of the four injured, three required hospitalization, and although the exact severity of their injuries has not been disclosed, they are being treated in a hospital in Tyre.
According to preliminary findings, the rocket was intended for an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) position but fell short, landing within the Ghana Battalion’s area at UNP 5-42. The explosion caused considerable damage to the washroom facilities and troop accommodations, where the soldiers were present at the time of the impact. The incident underscores the dangers faced by peacekeepers operating in volatile regions, often caught in the crossfire of hostilities between warring factions.
The IDF, which is currently conducting a ground invasion in southern Lebanon to counter Hezbollah forces, attributed the rocket fire to the Lebanese armed group. However, Hezbollah has not issued a statement regarding the attack, and the origin of the rocket remains unverified. The situation highlights the complexities and heightened tensions in the area, with peacekeepers often bearing the brunt of spillover violence.
The attack on the Ghana Battalion base was not an isolated incident. In a separate event, five rockets struck the UNIFIL Sector West Headquarters in Shama, causing extensive damage to the maintenance workshop. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that attack. The Shama base has come under fire repeatedly, with this marking the second attack within a week. On November 15, 2024, a 155mm artillery shell hit the same base, raising concerns about the safety of peacekeeping personnel in the area.
Additionally, a UNIFIL patrol near the village of Khirbat Silim encountered further hostilities when an armed individual fired upon them. Unlike the previous incidents, this attack did not result in any casualties. Nevertheless, it adds to the growing list of security challenges faced by UN peacekeepers in the region.
In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), UNIFIL condemned the attacks as clear violations of international law and UN resolution 1701, which mandates the mission to monitor hostilities and maintain stability in southern Lebanon. The resolution is designed to prevent a resurgence of violence in the region following the 2006 Lebanon War. UNIFIL has launched investigations into the recent incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding the attacks and identify those responsible.
The increasing frequency of such attacks underscores the precarious environment in which UN peacekeepers operate. The situation along the Israeli-Lebanese border has been further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Both sides have engaged in heavy exchanges of fire, with cross-border hostilities becoming a regular occurrence. These tensions place additional strain on UNIFIL personnel, who are tasked with maintaining a fragile peace in a region marked by deep-seated animosities.
The Ghana Armed Forces, which has a long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping missions, has yet to release a statement addressing the incident. Ghana is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, and its troops have consistently been praised for their professionalism and dedication to maintaining peace in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones.
The injuries sustained by the Ghanaian soldiers have sparked concern about the safety and security of peacekeepers operating under increasingly hazardous conditions. The UN has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel while continuing its mandate to monitor and report on violations in the region. Despite these assurances, the recent string of attacks raises questions about the adequacy of current protective measures and the resources allocated to peacekeeping missions in high-risk areas.
The Ghanaian soldiers’ injuries also highlight the human cost of peacekeeping efforts. While these missions are essential for maintaining international stability, they often come at a significant risk to the lives of the men and women who serve. The incident has drawn attention to the need for enhanced protective measures and stronger enforcement of international laws governing the conduct of hostilities.
UNIFIL has stressed its unwavering dedication to its mission despite the mounting challenges. Peacekeepers continue to hold their positions, monitor ceasefire violations, and report on developments in the region. Their presence remains a critical factor in preventing the situation from spiraling into further chaos. However, the safety of these personnel must remain a priority as they carry out their duties in the face of persistent threats.
The recent attacks also serve as a grim reminder of the volatile dynamics in southern Lebanon, where the overlapping interests of state and non-state actors create a complex and dangerous landscape. The international community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the underlying causes of instability in the region to ensure that peacekeeping efforts are effective and sustainable.
As investigations into the attacks continue, the injured Ghanaian soldiers are receiving care, and efforts are underway to bolster security for peacekeeping personnel. The Ghanaian contingent, like their counterparts from other nations, remains steadfast in their commitment to supporting global peace and security, even in the most trying circumstances. Their sacrifices underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing conflicts and promoting stability in regions plagued by violence and uncertainty.
