UNIFIL Condemns Destruction of Surveillance Cameras at Its South Lebanon Base

UNIFIL Condemns Destruction of Surveillance Cameras at Its South Lebanon Base
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The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed serious concern after the destruction of surveillance cameras at its main headquarters in Naqoura during ongoing conflict in the region.

UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said that Israeli forces destroyed all security cameras facing Minghy Street at the peacekeeping mission’s compound, a move the mission says weakens its ability to monitor threats and protect personnel. The cameras were installed to observe the immediate vicinity of the UN base and enhance the safety of both military and civilian peacekeepers.

The incident occurred amid broader hostilities in southern Lebanon linked to the expanding conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which has repeatedly drawn UN peacekeepers into harm’s way. UNIFIL officials have lodged a formal protest with Israeli authorities, urging respect for the safety and security of UN personnel and the inviolability of UN premises.

While the mission did not provide a detailed account of how the cameras were destroyed, other reporting indicates that Israeli forces damaged at least 17 surveillance cameras associated with UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura over a 24‑hour period. UN officials described the damage as having been caused by recent military activity in the area.

UNIFIL’s mandate is to monitor ceasefire agreements and support stability in southern Lebanon; however, peacekeepers have increasingly faced security risks from active combat operations. Recent violence has also included explosions near UN positions, causing injuries to peacekeepers.