Indonesia Urges UN for Urgent Meeting After Tragic Deaths of Peacekeepers in Lebanon
Indonesia's Call for Action
Jakarta: In light of the recent deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon, Indonesia has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, as confirmed by officials.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono reached out to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic event, according to reports from a news agency.
Sugiono stated, "We are calling for an emergency Security Council meeting and a swift, comprehensive investigation process," in a message shared on his social media.
Additionally, he spoke with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, expressing Indonesia's serious concerns regarding the attacks. Both leaders agreed to work closely together to address the situation and support efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring regional stability.
Indonesia has firmly condemned the assaults, asserting that the safety of UN peacekeepers must be guaranteed in accordance with international law.
On Monday evening, authorities confirmed that two more Indonesian personnel serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon had died, raising the total fatalities to three.
These soldiers were part of the Indonesian contingent operating under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, head of the Information Bureau at Indonesia's Ministry of Defence, reported, "In this incident, two military personnel were confirmed dead, while two others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical care in Beirut."
UNIFIL also released a statement on social media confirming the deaths, noting that the soldiers were tragically killed when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle in southern Lebanon.
"This marks the second fatal incident within 24 hours. We emphasize that no one should lose their life while serving the cause of peace," the statement read.
The additional fatalities followed an earlier attack in southern Lebanon, where Indonesian peacekeepers were caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflict. Earlier on Sunday, one Indonesian soldier was reported dead, with several others injured near a UNIFIL position.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the incident on Monday, urging all parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international law and to ensure the safety and protection of UN personnel and property at all times.