Washington, United States

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday (Oct 23) voiced "deep concern" over recent Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese army that killed three soldiers over the weekend.

Advertisment

With this, the death toll for Lebanese troops has reached eight, since an all-out war erupted between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Speaking to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Lloyd "expressed his deep concern about the reports of strikes against the Lebanese Armed Forces."

The Lebanese military in a statement on Sunday alleged that an Israeli strike had targeted the soldiers' vehicle in the country's south. Israel, however, claimed that it was pounding strongholds of Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Advertisment

Ensure the safety of peacekeepers

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder in a statement said that Austin "emphasised the importance of taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security" of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon — the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL forces.

The US Defence secretary also expressed his condolences for the death of the Israeli brigade commander, Colonel Ahsan Daksa, who was killed in the Jabalia area.

Advertisment

UNIFIL concerns

Lloyd's statement concerning the safety of peacekeepers come as the UNIFIL accused Tel Aviv of attacking its members multiple times in recent weeks.

Israel had even urged the United Nations peacekeepers to evacuate to avoid injuries or worse as it expands its war against Hezbollah. However, the peacekeepers on Oct 14 said they will maintain their positions.

In a statement, UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix said, "The decision was made that UNIFIL would currently stay in all its positions in spite of the calls that were made by the Israel Defense Forces to vacate the positions that are in the vicinity of the Blue Line."

He further said that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has confirmed the plans, "I want to emphasise that this decision still remains."

(With inputs from agencies)