It was a tense evening in southern Lebanon on Friday, March 6, when two missiles struck the Ghanaian Battalion Headquarters, part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The attack occurred between 17:45 and 17:52 local time, shattering the calm at the base and leaving devastation in its wake.
Among those serving bravely far from home were Ghanaian peacekeepers, whose dedication to international security was met with sudden violence. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) later confirmed that two soldiers had been critically injured in the attack, while another suffered trauma. The Officers’ Mess facility, a central hub for the battalion, was completely destroyed by fire during the assault.
As news of the incident reached Accra, arrangements were swiftly made to provide medical care for the wounded personnel. They are currently being treated at a Level One Medical Bunker, with plans underway to transfer them to the UNIFIL headquarters referral hospital for more advanced care.
The attack drew swift condemnation and sympathy from the Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad. Describing the event as tragic, Ambassador Gilad expressed deep concern for the injured peacekeepers. “This is indeed a tragic event. We send wishes of speedy recovery to the three soldiers,” he stated.
Ambassador Gilad also noted that efforts to determine the source of the missile fire were ongoing, with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launching an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces moved quickly to assure the public that all other troops at the base remained safe, having taken shelter in underground bunkers due to the fragile security environment in the area.
The missile strike comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with growing confrontations involving Israel, Iran, and allied forces across the region. In response to the attack, the Government of Ghana, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has officially lodged a protest with the United Nations headquarters in New York City, seeking accountability and greater protection for its peacekeepers.
As investigations continue, the thoughts of many remain with the injured soldiers and their families, hoping for their swift recovery and a return to peace in the region.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com