The outgoing commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Lt.-Gen. Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, sustained injuries during a violent attack on a convoy transporting peacekeepers to Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport, as reported by UNIFIL.

The convoy was targeted by supporters of Hezbollah while attempting to reach the airport. Lebanese media outlet Al Manar stated that the protestors aimed to advocate for the return of citizens stranded in Iran and to challenge outside interventions in the Lebanese government.

In its statement, UNIFIL called for an immediate and thorough investigation by Lebanese authorities to hold those responsible accountable for the incident.

At least one officer from UNIFIL was injured as Hezbollah operatives assaulted the vehicle displaying UN insignia, physically assaulting individuals inside.

The Lebanese television station LBCI reported that four UNIFIL personnel were assaulted; three managed to escape to the airport while the fourth victim was taken to a military hospital.

Reports from Lebanese media indicated that the attackers used iron rods, set fire to at least one vehicle, and chanted “Shiite, Shiite” during the disruption.

Video footage on social media depicted protestors waving Hezbollah flags, obstructing roads, and igniting fires.

The Lebanese Army cautioned citizens against participating in the protests, labeling them as a source of heightened internal tensions amid a critical juncture for the country.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with UNIFIL.

إطلاق #رصاص حي من قبل الجيش اللبناني على المتظاهرين على طريق #مطار_بيروت مش هيك يا #وطن بانتظار المشهد الاخير. اكتر من أي وقت مضى #مع_حزب_الله pic.twitter.com/m9uTWu2HLM

— khodor Atef Hamieh (@HamiehKhodor) February 14, 2025

Efforts to Release Lebanese Citizens in Tehran?

Hezbollah supporters have been protesting against the Lebanese government in response to the decision to prevent an Iranian passenger plane from landing, reportedly due to suspicions of it being linked to Iranian agents aiming to bolster Hezbollah’s financial resources.

This decision followed announcements from IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee regarding Iran’s Quds Force allegedly transporting cash to Hezbollah via civilian aircraft, violating the ceasefire terms.

In retaliation, Iran barred Lebanese flights from landing in Tehran, citing an “Israeli threat,” indicating that restrictions would be lifted only if Iranian flights were allowed to land in Beirut.

Report contributed by Reuters.