At about 5:00 p.m. today UNIFIL was informed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that an anti-tank missile had been fired from the vicinity of Marun Ar Ras in southern Lebanon at an IDF vehicle in the Avivim area, south of the Blue Line. In response the IDF conducted artillery fire directed at the general area from where the missile attack had originated.

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Stefano Del Col was immediately in contact with the parties in order to contain the situation and restore the cessation of hostilities. At this time calm has returned in the area and UNIFIL is maintaining its presence on the ground together with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

Major-General Del Col has expressed serious concern at the incident and urged the parties to exercise utmost restraint to prevent any further escalation of the situation.

Major-General Del Col said: “This is a serious incident in violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 and clearly directed at undermining stability in the area.” 

“We need to maintain security along the Blue Line and exercise utmost restraint. General calm has been restored in the area and the parties have reassured me of their continued commitment to the cessation of hostilities in accordance with resolution 1701.”

UNIFIL is following up to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident, including any casualties or damages caused as a result. At this time UNIFIL has no reports of casualties from either side.