Tenenti refutes media reports: UNIFIL peacekeepers did not draw weapons

Obstruction Is Unacceptable

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stated that earlier today, “a group of individuals in civilian attire temporarily obstructed a UNIFIL patrol in the town of Yater. The patrol was part of a routine operation coordinated in advance with the Lebanese Armed Forces.”

He clarified: “The situation remained calm throughout the incident, and the peacekeepers were able to resume their patrol after approximately thirty minutes. Contrary to some media reports, at no point did the peacekeepers draw their weapons.”

Tenenti reiterated: “UNIFIL operates in southern Lebanon at the request of the Lebanese government and under the mandate of the United Nations Security Council. All of our activities are conducted in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Any interference with the freedom of movement of UN peacekeepers is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of Lebanon’s obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.”