Danish UN Observers at Attacked Base in Lebanon

Unidentified sources have told DR that several Danish military observers are at a UN base in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, which has come under Israeli fire. Denmark has contributed to the UNTSO peacekeeping mission, present in the region since 1948, with ten Danish officers currently stationed there. The Danish Defence has not confirmed whether the targeted base had Danes present, but assures that all ten officers are unharmed. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed the presence of Danish observers in Lebanon but not their exact location. Following a recent shelling of a UNIFIL peacekeeping tower in Naqoura by an Israeli tank, two UNIFIL soldiers were slightly injured. Israel’s military acknowledged the operations, stating the peacekeepers were warned before the firing commenced. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has urged Israel to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed deep concern and stressed that attacks on UN peacekeepers are unacceptable.