UN condemns attack on Lebanon peacekeepers

United Nations Interim Force members in Lebanon attacked by 'unknown perpetrators'

United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric says the overnight attack on peacekeepers in southern Lebanon was unacceptable. AP

The UN described an overnight attack against peacekeepers in southern Lebanon as unacceptable, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.

The peacekeepers – members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) – were attacked late on Tuesday by "unknown perpetrators", he said.

"Their UN vehicles were vandalised and official items were stolen," Mr Dujarric said. He did not specify the state of the victims.

He said peacekeepers were not on private property or taking photos "contrary to some subsequent media disinformation". He said they were travelling to meet members of the Lebanese armed forces for a routine patrol.

"The denial of Unifil's freedom of movement and any aggression against those serving the cause of peace is unacceptable," Mr Dujarric said.

He called on the Lebanese government to "investigate quickly and thoroughly, and prosecute all those responsible for these crimes".

Unifil comprises about 13,000 UN peacekeepers and has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978. It is responsible for monitoring the ceasefire along the border with Israel.