The U.S. Condemns Attack by Hezbollah Supporters on Peacekeeping Forces in Lebanon

The U.S. Department of State condemned the violent attack by a group of Hezbollah supporters on a United Nations peacekeeping convoy (UNIFIL) in Beirut. On Saturday, February 16, the U.S. State Department issued a statement praising the swift response of the Lebanese armed forces in preventing the escalation of violence, as well as the Lebanese government's commitment to take all necessary actions to hold those responsible for the attack accountable. The French government also condemned the attack. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Saturday, February 16, that France urges Lebanese security forces to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and calls on Lebanese judicial authorities to clarify all aspects of this unacceptable attack and pursue its perpetrators. The Lebanese state news agency reported that Ahmad Hajar, Lebanon's Minister of Interior, called for an emergency meeting to review the country's security situation before the afternoon of Saturday, February 16. He also issued necessary orders to identify the perpetrators and refer them to judicial authorities, stating that more than 25 individuals have been arrested for investigation regarding this attack. UNIFIL announced that its deputy representative in Lebanon, Arnaldo Lazaro Saenz, was injured on Friday, February 15, during the attack on the convoy transporting the group to Beirut Airport. UNIFIL has called for a thorough and immediate investigation by Lebanese authorities and accountability for the attackers. According to reports, Hezbollah supporters, a group backed by the Islamic Republic, blocked the road leading to Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut for two consecutive nights due to the Lebanese government's decision to prohibit the landing of two Iranian planes. On Friday night, they attacked a UN peacekeeping vehicle and set it on fire. The Lebanese Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced on Thursday that flights of Mahan Air from Iran to Beirut would be temporarily rescheduled until February 19 due to 'increased security measures.' In response, Iranian officials on Friday prevented a Lebanese plane from landing in Tehran. This plane was heading to Tehran to repatriate Lebanese citizens from Iran. Avichai Adraee, the Arabic-speaking spokesman for the Israeli army, announced on Wednesday night, February 14, on social media 'X' that the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah have recently 'used civilian flights to smuggle cash to this terrorist group through Beirut International Airport.' The U.S. has sanctioned Mahan Air to target entities involved in the financial and military support of Hezbollah by the Islamic Republic. The President of Lebanon stated that the attackers against UNIFIL forces will be punished. Controversy in Beirut; Hezbollah supporters attacked UN peacekeeping forces. Analysts told VOA: Israel's warning on the cancellation of Mahan Air flights was effective. Chaos among Hezbollah supporters following the prohibition of Iranian planes landing in Beirut. U.S. support for the continued deployment of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon. Lebanon prevented a Mahan Air plane from landing at Beirut Airport.