French soldier killed in attack in southern Lebanon
A French soldier was killed and three others wounded in an attack on a United Nations peacekeeping patrol in southern Lebanon, Reuters reported on April 18th, in an incident that could complicate efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire.
The soldiers were part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and were clearing a road near the village of Ghandouriyeh when they came under fire. UNIFIL said three personnel were injured, two of them seriously, and described the shooting as a “deliberate attack”.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death, identifying the soldier as Sergeant-Chief Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment. In a post on X, he said the wounded had been evacuated and that evidence suggested Iran-backed Hezbollah was responsible.
UNIFIL said initial assessments indicated the fire came from non-state actors and that an investigation had been launched, adding that the attackers were believed to be linked to Hezbollah.
French armed forces minister Catherine Vautrin said the patrol was ambushed while attempting to reopen a route to a UNIFIL position that had been cut off by fighting. She said the soldier was killed by direct small-arms fire.
Macron condemned what he called an “unacceptable attack” in calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He urged Lebanese authorities to act against those responsible.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the incident and called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.
Hezbollah denied involvement, saying it was surprised by what it described as baseless accusations.
Lebanon’s army said it had opened an investigation into the shooting. President Aoun ordered an immediate probe and offered condolences, while Prime Minister Salam also condemned the attack.
UNIFIL has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978 and has remained through successive conflicts. In recent weeks, roadside blasts and strikes have killed UN personnel, with the latest death bringing the number to four since January.
The attack comes days after Israel and Lebanon agreed on a US-brokered ceasefire on April 16th for an initial period of 10 days to support peace negotiations. UN officials have warned that violations risk undermining the arrangement and complicating the mission’s operations.
Reuters, United Nations, Maghrebi.org
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