“On Tuesday, 25 August starting around 11:00 p.m., UNIFIL observed a number of flares fired from several IDF positions along the Blue Line across from Aytarun, Ayta Ash-Sha’b, Meiss Ej Jebel, Houla, Kfar Kila and Kfar Shouba in south Lebanon. 

UNIFIL radars also detected mortars and artillery shells, mostly smoke, as well as intense UAV activities in these areas.

UNIFIL immediately activated its liaison and coordination channels and reinforced troops along the Blue Line.

In follow up contacts, the IDF informed UNIFIL that there had been small arms fire from Lebanon directed against an IDF patrol in the general area of Manara.

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col remains in contact with the parties, urging restraint and requesting that all sides avoid any provocative action that could further escalate tensions and jeopardize the cessation of hostilities.

General Del Col said: “First of all, it is very important for us to establish all the facts and circumstances surrounding the serious developments overnight along the Blue Line. I have launched an urgent investigation and I call on both parties to fully cooperate with UNIFIL to help determine the facts.”

The situation along the Blue Line has since returned to calm and UNIFIL is maintaining continuous presence in the area in coordination with the parties.”