The United Nations Interim Force in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Wednesday 7 October 2026 that one of its sites near Kfar Shuba on the Blue Line had come under small-arms fire, with no injuries reported among the force's personnel inside the site.
Gunfire hits UNIFIL site wall and equipment
In a statement, UNIFIL said the gunfire targeted its site in the eastern sector on Wednesday morning, explaining that all personnel stationed there immediately took cover when the incident occurred, while bullets struck the base's outer wall. The UN force added that some bullets reached accommodation units and United Nations vehicles inside the site. It did not identify who had opened fire, but confirmed that none of its personnel had been injured.
UNIFIL condemned the gunfire, calling it “unacceptable” and saying it carried “clear signs”. It said that “such deliberate attacks place the lives of peacekeepers at grave risk”, announcing an investigation into the circumstances of the incident near the border with Israel. UNIFIL has been deployed in Southern Lebanon since 1978 and currently has about 7,500 personnel from 46 countries.
Decision to end UNIFIL mission draws closer
The UN force carries out its duties in the area alongside the Blue Line, including the eastern sector where the targeted site near Kfar Shuba is located. The incident comes months before the scheduled end of the force's mandate, after the United Nations Security Council decided in August last year, under US pressure, to end UNIFIL's mission on 31 December 2026.
The approaching end of the UN mission coincides with the continued control by Israeli forces of wide areas in Southern Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in September that his country was open to the deployment of any force that would replace UNIFIL, stressing the need to avoid any “vacuum” after the UN force withdraws from the country.
