UNIFIL and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) today commemorated the 20th anniversary of the deaths of four military observers killed at observation post (OP) Khiam of Observer Group Lebanon on 25 July 2006, in Lebanon.
Speaking at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura, the Deputy Chief of Staff of UNTSO, Colonel Wang Zhengjiang, paid tribute to the four fallen military observers, remembering Major Hans-Peter Lang of Austria, Major Paeta Derek Hess-von Kruedener of Canada, Major Du Zhaoyu of China and Lieutenant Jarno Mäkinen of Finland, who lost their lives while serving with Observer Group Lebanon.
“These four heroes of Observer Group Lebanon gave their lives in the service of peace,” Colonel Wang said, noting that their commitment as military observers reflected “humanity, professionalism and courage at its very best: the willingness to serve others, even at great personal sacrifice.”
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Colonel Wang stressed that the commemoration was not only about remembering how the observers died but also honoring the values by which they lived.
“As we mark this twentieth anniversary of the OP Khiam tragedy, we do more than remember how our brave colleagues died. We celebrate how they lived. We honor their courage, their compassion, their commitment, and their belief that a more peaceful world was possible,” he said.
Addressing the ceremony, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Diodato Abagnara, paid tribute to the fallen observers from Austria, Canada, China and Finland, describing them as symbols of courage, professionalism and dedication to peace.
“The true test of conflict is always measured in human lives. Peacekeeping exists to prevent crises before they become tragedies. That is the legacy these four officers have entrusted to all of us,” Major General Abagnara said. “Twenty years later, their sacrifice continues to inspire the entire United Nations family.”
He emphasized that peacekeeping remains important despite the risks faced by all personnel serving in conflict areas. “The legacy of Khiam is our responsibility,” he said, reaffirming the commitment of UNIFIL and UNTSO to preserving dialogue, protecting civilians and supporting stability in South Lebanon.
The ceremony brought together peacekeepers, military observers and UN personnel to remember those who lost their lives in service to peace and to honour their enduring legacy.
Participants also reiterated the importance of respecting the safety, security and inviolability of United Nations personnel and the shared responsibility of all parties to ensure their protection, underscoring that peacekeepers must never be targeted under any circumstances. Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701 and may amount to war crimes.
