Revealed: How close are Indian troops to the conflict in Lebanon?

Last month’s attack on a UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, where India has deployed more than 900 troops, was condemned by a loud chorus of international criticism.

The peacekeepers, known as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), faced numerous attacks and at least five peacekeepers were injured. UNIFIL accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of carrying out some of the attacks deliberately.

However, there were no injuries from Indian armed personnel in any of the attacks.

India Today’s analysis shows that since the beginning of the Israeli occupation, no significant consequential attacks have been reported in India’s area of ​​responsibility in south-east Lebanon, near Sheba Farms and on the Syrian border.

The closest strike area on October 31 was Maroun Al Ras, approximately 25 km from India’s Area of ​​Responsibility (AoR). However, Israel has issued several orders for the evacuation of civilians from the Zone, indicating future Israeli military activities in the region and thus a possible conflict with Hezbollah militants.

Data from media reports and the American non-profit think tank Institute for the Study of War shows that UNIFIL positions have been attacked at least 20 times in eight different locations since Israeli ground operations began in early October.

India has joined the international community to demand the safety and security of peacekeepers in Lebanon.

“As a major Troop Contributing Country, India is in full compliance with the joint statement issued by the 34 troop contributing countries to UNIFIL. “The safety and security of peacekeepers is of great importance and must be ensured in accordance with existing UNSC Resolutions.”

SELF-DEFENSE FOR THE UNITED TRANSACTIONS

On October 10, UNIFIL described an incident of attack allegedly carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which triggered concerns in UNIFIL’s capitals and troop support to the countries.

IDF soldiers also opened fire on a UN post in Labbouneh, and a drone that followed them to the entrance gate of the UN compound hit the entrance to the peacekeeping shelter, the mission said in a statement.

The incident raised an important question: How do UNIFIL soldiers defend themselves in the face of attack or conflict? “There is no clear answer to this,” said Major General (retd) AK Bardalai, former Deputy Head of Mission and Deputy Force Commander of UNIFIL from 2008-10.

Gazi said that defensive measures are at the discretion of the commander of the unit facing the threat. “But generally good practice is to use force in absolutely unavoidable situations. Because the use of weapons by a peacekeeper can trigger a conflict or ignite an ongoing conflict,” Major General (retd) Bardalai told India Today.

He blames the vague nature of UN policies guiding peacekeeping operations.

However, many units carry advanced military equipment, including main battle tanks (MBT) and self-propelled artillery guns. But he adds that these should give troops sufficient staying power in the event of a full-fledged war until the country can withdraw its peacekeepers to a safer location.

UNIFIL MISSION

UNIFIL, which is responsible for monitoring the 120-kilometer ‘Blue Line’, which has been the scene of violent clashes between Israeli and Hezbollah forces in the past, has confirmed that many rockets have been launched from south-eastern Lebanon towards the Israeli-occupied Kafr Chouba region in recent weeks. . In response, Israel retaliated with artillery fire on Lebanon.

The 120 km Blue Line is a UN-recognised demarcation line that marks the withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Lebanon. It separates Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights but is not an official international border.

UNIFIL has around 10,500 peacekeepers from 50 troop-contributing countries, including India. 17 percent of its activities are carried out jointly with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The five-ship Maritime Task Force complements UNIFIL.