SABACIREBON – United Nations (UN) revealed the initial findings of an investigation into two deadly incidents that occurred on March 29 and 30, which killed three TNI soldiers who were part of a peacekeeping mission UNIFILE in Lebanon.
UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarricsaid that based on preliminary evidence, the March 29 incident was suspected to have been caused by a 120 mm caliber tank main shell. Analysis of projectile fragments showed that the bullet likely came from a Merkava tank Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which was fired from the east towards the Ett Taibe area.
According to the UN, UNIFIL had previously sent the coordinates of all its positions and facilities to the IDF on March 6 and 22 as a precautionary measure to protect personnel in the field.
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Meanwhile, the incident on March 30 is thought to have been triggered by the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED). Based on analysis of the location of the explosion and the discovery of similar devices around the incident area, the UN assesses that the explosion occurred due to an IED which was triggered by the victim via a tripwire mechanism.
In its initial findings, the UN said that the explosive device was most likely installed by an armed group Hezbollah.
The three TNI soldiers who died in the incident were Major Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan, and Corporal Farizal Rhomadon. The results of this initial investigation have been submitted to the governments of Indonesia, Lebanon and Israel.
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Dujarric emphasized that the investigation is still preliminary and will continue through a thorough investigation process by the UN. A Board of Inquiry will also be formed according to procedures to comprehensively review the two incidents amidst the ongoing conflict situation.
The UN expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the Government of Indonesia, while stressing that attacks on peacekeeping personnel were unjustified.
“Attacks against peacekeepers can be categorized as war crimes under international law,” Dujarric stressed.
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The UN also urges all parties involved in the conflict to respect the safety of peacekeeping personnel and guarantee the protection of UN facilities which have international immunity. ***
