Press statement - by UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas, 09 December 2011:

On 9 December, a UNIFIL vehicle traveling on a road at the southern outskirts of the city of Tyr was targeted by an explosion.

Five peacekeepers were injured. They were treated at the location and were later evacuated for further medical treatment.

We condemn this attack in the strongest terms. This vile and despicable act not only aims to cause harm to the peacekeepers but also to undermine the stability and peace that have been prevailing in the south.

In the aftermath of this attack, UNIFIL's determination and commitment to the mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701 is even stronger. We will not be diverted from our tasks and we remain focused in our efforts to fulfill our mandate together with the Lebanese Armed Forces. At the same time, it is imperative that the perpetrators of this attack are identified and brought to justice.

UNIFIL's forensics and investigation teams were dispatched to the location and are working in close cooperation with their counterparts in the Lebanese Army to determine all the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

This is the third direct attack against UNIFIL this year. Two UNIFIL logistics convoys were targeted by road-side bombs on the coastal road near the city of Saida in May and July.