Italian Government
Lebanon: UNIFIL Headquarters bombed. 4 soldiers endured minor injuries
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Four Italian soldiers endured minor injuries as two 122mm rockets hit Shama UNP 2-3 Base in Southern Lebanon, headquarters to the Italian contingent and UNIFIL Sector West Command.
“I have immediately got in contact with the Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Stefano Messina, to ascertain that the conditions of the four soldiers were not concerning. I have also spoken with my Lebanese counterpart, reiterating that the UNIFIL Italian contingent is still in Southern Lebanon to offer peace a window of opportunity, and that it cannot be the target of militia attacks. It is not tolerable that a UNIFIL Base was hit again. I will try to talk to the new Israeli Defence Minister, which has proved impossible since his appointment, to ask him to prevent UNIFIL bases from being used as shields. The presence of terrorists who jeopardize the security of the Blue Helmets and civilian population in Southern Lebanon is even more intolerable”, Minister Crosetto said.
An initial investigation established that two rockets hit a bunker and a facility near the International Military Police station at the base, damaging the surrounding infrastructures. The four soldiers were wounded by glass shards caused by the explosion.
