Rocket Lands in Chinese Peacekeeping Camp in Lebanon, Sparking International Condemnation
A rocket landed in the camp of the 22nd batch of Chinese peacekeeping troops in Lebanon on September 23, causing damage to infrastructure but no casualties. The incident occurred during a large-scale Israeli airstrike on Lebanese territory. According to eyewitness accounts, the rocket explosion was preceded by the sounding of air raid sirens, prompting the Chinese peacekeepers to quickly don protective gear and take shelter in underground bunkers.
17 October 2024
The moment the rocket landed in the camp, sirens blared and the Chinese peacekeeping troops swiftly put on their protective gear and rushed to underground shelters. "Fortunately, all personnel were inside the shelter and no one was injured," said Li Ke Han, a member of the 22nd batch of Chinese peacekeeping troops to Lebanon. The incident occurred on September 23, when Israeli forces launched a large-scale airstrike on Lebanon. The Chinese peacekeeping camp, located in the southern part of the country, came under fire, with rockets flying overhead and exploding nearby.
Despite the chaos, the troops remained calm and followed procedures, ensuring everyone's safety. The incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by Chinese peacekeeping troops in Lebanon, who are working to maintain stability and security in the region. It also raises concerns about the safety of the Chinese peacekeepers, who are stationed in the region as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Analysts point to Hezbollah as the culprit behind the rocket launch that landed in the Chinese peacekeeping camp in Lebanon. Security footage and eyewitness accounts suggest that the rockets were fired from a location near the camp, with some speculating that the militants deliberately targeted the area to use the Chinese peacekeepers as human shields. "It's clear that Hezbollah is trying to escalate the situation by involving international forces," a security expert told The New York Times. "By firing rockets near the Chinese peacekeeping camp, they are sending a message that they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals."
The incident has sparked outrage among Chinese netizens, with many condemning the attack as a blatant disregard for the safety of the peacekeeping troops. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has issued a statement condemning the attack and emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of its peacekeeping personnel. The ministry also reiterated China's commitment to maintaining stability and peace in the region through its participation in UNIFIL.
Hezbollah's actions have been widely condemned by the international community, with many viewing the rocket launch as a brazen act of aggression. The Chinese government has also issued a statement expressing its concern over the incident and calling for calm. "It's unacceptable that Hezbollah would put the lives of our peacekeepers at risk in this way," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. "We urge all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict."
Following the rocket attack, the United Nations peacekeeping forces have reiterated their commitment to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Chinese peacekeeping contingent stated, "We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and cease hostilities. The safety and security of our personnel are of utmost importance, and we will not be deterred from our mission to maintain peace and stability in the region." The Chinese government has also reaffirmed its commitment to peacekeeping and has pledged to continue working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Lebanon.
The Chinese peacekeeping contingent in Lebanon has been deployed since 2006 and has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The contingent has been involved in various activities, including disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants, as well as support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.