UNIFIL vehicles driving on a main road in Qlayaa, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the US-Israel conflict with Iran continues, in Qlayaa, southern Lebanon. (Reuters)
An Indonesian peacekeeping personnel in Lebanon, Farizal Romadhon, was killed, and other critically injured due to the indirect artillery fire that blasted near Adchit Al Qusayr on March 29, in what is strongly suspected to have been caused by an Israeli projectile explosion that landed close to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters.
As a part of the UNIFIL, a number of Indonesian troops are stationed in the southern part of Lebanon to monitor the border tension between Israel and Iran-backed militia, Hezbollah. Within this border, both parties oftentimes exchange fires, which also largely affects the UN peacekeeping positions.
Earlier, on March 6, four Ghanaian soldiers who were on the peacekeeping operations were also injured due to a similar attack that hit the base, causing fire and damage.
As of January 2026, the UNIFIL comprises around 8,195 total personnel. Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest peacekeeping troop contingents in Lebanon.
In response to the latest incident, Indonesia “strongly condemned the incident and called for a thorough and transparent investigation.” Furthermore, it also expressed the deepest condolences and paid “our highest tribute to fallen peacekeepers for their dedication and service to international peace and security.”
This incident also drew attention and criticism from Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations. “I strongly condemn Sunday’s incident during which an Indonesian peacekeeper of UNIFIL was killed amidst hostilities between Israel & Hizbullah. Another Indonesian peacekeeper was seriously injured in the same incident,” he stated.
He continued: “My deepest condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of the peacekeeper who died & to Indonesia. I wish a full & fast recovery to the injured peacekeeper. This is just one of a number of recent incidents that have jeopardized the safety & security of peacekeepers.”
Guterres further pushed all sides “to uphold their obligations under international law & to ensure the safety & security of UN personnel & property at all times.”
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