Israel Military Acknowledges Tank Fire on UN Base in Lebanon, Wounds Ghanaian Peacekeepers

Israel’s military confirmed on March 6 that its tank fire struck a United Nations position in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to Ghanaian peacekeepers. This incident highlights escalating tensions as Israeli military operations intensify in the region.

UN Inquiry Points to Israeli Responsibility

Initial findings from a U.N. inquiry indicated that Israel was responsible for the attack, as reported by a Western military source. The U.N. peacekeeping mission, known as UNIFIL, operates in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel, an area frequently affected by clashes between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.

UNIFIL has faced increasing dangers in recent years, particularly as Israel considers broader military operations. The mission is set to conclude at the end of 2026, raising concerns about the safety of peacekeepers in a volatile environment.

Israeli Military’s Response

In a statement, the Israeli military acknowledged that its troops were involved in the incident. They claimed the fire was in response to anti-tank missile fire from Hezbollah, which had injured two Israeli soldiers. The military stated, “A comprehensive investigation concluded in recent days determined that the fire that hit the UNIFIL personnel was mistakenly carried out by the IDF troops that misidentified the UNIFIL troops as the source of the anti-tank fire moments earlier.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expressed regret over the incident and conveyed apologies to both Ghana and the United Nations. They emphasized that the findings of the investigation would be shared within the IDF to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Details of the Attack

According to the Western military source, preliminary conclusions from UNIFIL’s Force Commander Reserve, supported by explosive ordnance disposal specialists, indicated that three strikes at the al-Qawzah base were direct hits from an Israeli battle tank. The munitions used were identified as 120-mm M339 HE-MP-T shells, which are manufactured by Israel Military Industries (IMI).

UNIFIL had previously reported on March 6 that Ghanaian peacekeepers were injured amid heavy firing, labeling the incident “unacceptable,” but did not specify the responsible party at that time. UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel stated, “That investigation is not yet complete. Once it is finalized, it will be shared with the parties, per usual practice.”

Implications for UN Peacekeeping Operations

The ongoing violence poses significant challenges for UNIFIL’s ability to fulfill its peacekeeping mandate. The M339 HE-MP-T round is versatile, capable of anti-personnel, anti-helicopter, anti-materiel, anti-armour, and anti-structure roles. The shots fired at the UN base occurred within a five-minute window, indicating a targeted attack rather than a stray round. This raises serious concerns about the safety of U.N. personnel, given that the base’s location is well known to all parties involved.

Three Ghanaian soldiers were reported wounded in the incident, according to the Ghanaian army. The Western military source noted, “This escalation, far from being isolated, is part of a worrying dynamic, severely testing UNIFIL’s ability to carry out its peacekeeping mission.”

Regional Context and Ongoing Tensions

Lebanon has been drawn into the broader conflict in the Middle East, particularly following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel that prompted a renewed Israeli offensive against the group. Despite a ceasefire established last year, Israel has conducted frequent airstrikes in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah.

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 stipulates that no armed forces should operate in southern Lebanon except for U.N. peacekeepers and the Lebanese military. Israel has consistently accused Hezbollah of attempting to rearm and criticized the Lebanese armed forces for failing to disarm the group.

Highlighting the precarious situation for U.N. peacekeepers, UNIFIL reported that another group of peacekeepers was likely fired upon on three separate occasions in southern Lebanon, presumably by non-state armed groups, though no injuries were reported.

For further details, refer to the source: www.arnnewscentre.ae.

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Published on 2026-03-18 12:43:00 • By the Editorial Desk