Two peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon were killed in southern Lebanon when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan. Two additional troops were injured in the blast, including one who was severely wounded. The mission has launched an investigation into the incident.

The deaths occurred one day after another peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed by a projectile explosion near the village of Adchit al Qusayr. The United Nations mission expressed deep concern over the rising toll on its personnel amid ongoing violence in the region.

In a statement, the mission stressed that no one should lose their life while serving the cause of peace and urged all parties to comply with international law to protect peacekeeping forces. It warned that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes, adding that the human cost of the conflict is far too high and that the violence must end.