Politics UN peacekeeper shoots down Israeli drone in Lebanon
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon has shot down an Israeli drone in a rare incident. It had flown "aggressively" over a UN patrol in the south of the country, Unifil announced.
27.10.2025, 13:31
27.10.2025, 13:32
SDA
The UN troops then "took defensive countermeasures" and shot down the drone on Sunday.
At the same location near Kafr Kila, an Israeli drone later approached the UN troops and dropped a grenade, Unifil reported. Shortly afterwards, an Israeli tank also fired on the peacekeepers. There were no casualties.
An Israeli army spokesperson explained that the drone had been used for "reconnaissance and routine intelligence gathering". "We confirm that no fire was directed at Unifil troops," the spokesperson said. The drone did not pose a threat to the UN troops. The spokesperson did not comment on the drone's alleged aggressive maneuver.
Israel attacks Lebanon almost daily - despite ceasefire
There was a similar incident a few weeks ago. According to the UN, the Israeli military dropped several shells in the immediate vicinity of blue helmet soldiers in southern Lebanon. The UN spoke of the most serious attack on the peacekeepers since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into force almost a year ago.
Since then, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations. Israel attacks targets in the neighboring country almost daily. According to Israel, it has killed more than 330 Hezbollah members since the ceasefire began and attacked hundreds of militia targets.
Hezbollah has been severely weakened by the recent war with Israel and is under pressure both in Lebanon and internationally to give up its weapons, which the militia has so far refused to do. The Lebanese army has presented a plan for the disarmament of Hezbollah. Whether it can be implemented remains to be seen.
