NEW YORK CITY: The UN on Tuesday released the preliminary findings of investigations into two deadly incidents last month in which three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon were killed.
Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the initial results have been shared with the governments of Indonesia, Israel and Lebanon.
According to the preliminary assessment, the attack on March 29 involved a 120mm tank round that struck a UN position. Analysis of the impact site and recovered fragments of the projectile indicate that it came from a Merkava tank operated by the Israeli military. It was reportedly fired from the east toward the town of Ett Taibe.
The UN noted that it had shared precise coordinates of all its positions and facilities with the Israeli army on March 6 and again on March 22, in an effort to reduce the risks to its peacekeeping personnel.
In the incident on March 30, investigators determined that the explosion was caused by a victim-activated improvised explosive device that was probably triggered by a tripwire. Evidence from the blast site, including damage to a vehicle and the discovery of a second device nearby, supports this conclusion, they said. Based on the location, the nature of the device and the security context, the device was most likely planted by Hezbollah, according to the initial assessment.
Dujarric emphasized that the findings were preliminary, based on initial physical evidence. Full investigations continue, including formal UN procedures and engagement with all relevant parties, he added, and boards of inquiry will be convened to establish the full circumstances of both incidents.
The attacks claimed the lives of three Indonesian peacekeepers: Cpl. Farizal Rhomadon on March 29, and Maj. Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and 1st Sgt. Mohammed Nur Ichwan on March 30.
The UN strongly condemned the attacks as “unacceptable,” and called on relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
“Attacks on United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law,” Dujarric said, stressing that all parties must uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel. He also underscored the need to respect the inviolability of UN installations at all times.
