UN investigates as more explosions reported in southern Lebanon

UNIFIL on patrol in southern Lebanon [File Photo]

19 October 2009 – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has launched an investigation into explosions that occurred during the weekend in the southern part of the country, the second incident of its kind in less than a week.

No injuries have been reported, according to UN spokesperson Michele Montas.

“Preliminary indications are that these explosions were caused by explosive charges contained in unattended underground sensors which were placed in this area by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), apparently during the 2006 war,” she told reporters in New York.

Ms. Montas said the Interim Force immediately launched an investigation to ascertain all the facts and circumstances relating to the presence of these devices and to establish how the explosions were triggered.

UNIFIL investigators are working in close coordination and cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

They are also in the process of looking into a reported explosion that occurred on 12 October in the southern town of Tayr Felsay.