Operating under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, the Polish contingent escaped without casualties, though three vehicles suffered light damage, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said.
The explosion occurred during a routine convoy movement between bases. In response, the military introduced heightened safety precautions and temporarily halted convoy operations, adding that the situation remains under close observation in coordination with UN command and allied forces.
No group has been identified as responsible.
The incident comes in the wake of a US-brokered truce intended to halt weeks of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The latest round of fighting erupted in early March, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli forces to carry out what they described as targeted ground operations against the group’s positions in southern Lebanon.
French peacekeeper killed
In the same update, the Polish military honoured a French soldier killed earlier that day when a UN patrol came under fire in the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Staff Sergeant Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment had died in the attack, attributing responsibility to Hezbollah—an allegation the group has denied. Three other peacekeepers were reported injured.
UNIFIL has maintained a presence in southern Lebanon since 1978, overseeing security along the border area with Israel. The mission includes roughly 10,000 troops. Poland contributes up to 250 personnel, with about 140 currently deployed.
(mo)
Source: PAP