Tensions between residents of southern Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) flared again on Tuesday, as a patrol was blocked by locals in the town of Shaqra, preventing its entry without an escort from the Lebanese Army.

The incident is the latest in a growing string of confrontations involving UN peacekeepers and residents of the region, often described by observers as “locals,” though many suspect the organized nature of such actions points to a broader political context.

According to local sources, the residents refused to allow the UNIFIL convoy to proceed unless accompanied by the Lebanese military, citing concerns over sovereignty and coordination.

This is not the first time UNIFIL has faced restrictions while conducting its mandated operations in southern Lebanon. In recent months, several similar incidents have occurred across various southern towns, where residents intercepted peacekeeping forces over their movements in areas without prior coordination with the Lebanese Army.

Last week, a routine patrol in southern Lebanon also came under attack by a large group of civilians wielding metal rods and axes in the southern town of Jmayjimeh, causing significant damage to UN vehicles. No injuries were reported among peacekeepers.

Later, UNIFIL issued a statement reminding that under its mandate, the peackeeping mission has the right to freedom of movement throughout its area of operations in southern Lebanon.

The mission stressed that it is empowered to act independently, with or without the accompaniment of the Lebanese Army.

“While coordination with the Lebanese Army is constant, UNIFIL’s ability to implement its mandate does not depend on the presence of the Lebanese military,” the statement added.

أهالي شقرا يعترضون دورية لـ اليونيفيل pic.twitter.com/ccWg3gAZx7

— kataeb.org (@kataeb_Ar) May 20, 2025