Since last month’s Israeli attack, the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (UNIFIL) deployed to maintain peace in southern Lebanon has been attacked several times. India, a major member state of UNIFIL, has deployed more than 900 of its troops to southern Lebanon, making it the second-largest contributor to the mission. There has been growing concern in the international community, including India, about the safety of these soldiers.
UNIFIL, known as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, has reported several attacks in recent weeks, in which at least five peacekeepers were injured. UNIFIL has blamed some of the attacks on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), claiming that these attacks were carried out deliberately. Although no Indian soldiers have been injured in these attacks so far, concerns remain over the safety of Indian soldiers.
Situation in the area of responsibility of Indian troops.
The Indian Area of Responsibility (AoR) is located in the southeastern part of Lebanon, near Shebaa Farms and the Syrian border. Until now, the area has been safe from attack, but recent events have increased the potential threat to Indian soldiers.
The attack on Maroun el Ras, which is about 25 kilometers from India’s AoR, was the closest of the attacks in recent weeks. Israel has ordered the evacuation of many civilians from the area, signaling possible military action and raising the possibility of conflict with Hezbollah.
Self-defense and challenges of UNIFIL soldiers
Self-defense has always been a challenging issue for UNIFIL. On October 10, UNIFIL reported an incident involving an attack on a UN compound by the IDF. Since then, concern has arisen over the issue of soldiers’ self-defense.
Retired Major General AK Bardalai, who served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Deputy Force Commander of UNIFIL, told India Today: “Peacekeepers have permission to use force, but it is absolutely mandatory to do so in the situation itself.” , so that conflict can be avoided.” The goal of any peacekeeping mission is to reduce violence, so force is used as a last resort.”
UNIFIL Mandate and Blue Line Security
UNIFIL’s main function is to monitor the 120 kilometer long ‘Blue Line’, a single line between Israel and Lebanon. There have been several clashes between Israeli and Hezbollah forces along this line. UNIFIL has reported rocket and artillery shell attacks on the line several times in recent weeks.
This blue line is a demarcation line recognized by the UN, indicating Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This is not an official international border, but UNIFIL has been entrusted with the responsibility of securing it.
India’s stance on the safety of Indian soldiers
India, along with the international community, has said that the safety of peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon is of utmost importance. The Indian mission to the UN said that “India shows its full solidarity with the joint statement of the other 34 member states of UNIFIL.” The statement highlighted the priority of the security of peacekeepers and sought to ensure it under relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
The Indian Mission also clarified that Indian soldiers in UNIFIL are playing an active role not only in peacekeeping but also in 17% joint activities with the Lebanese Army.
