Indonesian peacekeeper killed in UNIFIL post strike in Lebanon
An Indonesian UN peacekeeper has been killed in southern Lebanon after a projectile struck a guard post, as intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah raises fresh concerns over the safety of international forces.
- Indonesian peacekeeper Farizal Rhomadhon was killed after a projectile struck a UN position in southern Lebanon.
- Three other Indonesian personnel were injured, one critically, amid escalating Israel–Hezbollah hostilities.
- The UN and Indonesia have called for a full investigation, as concerns grow over peacekeeper safety.
The Indonesian National Armed Forces has confirmed the death of one of its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, after a projectile struck a guard post at a UN position in southern Lebanon amid escalating hostilities.
The soldier, Farizal Rhomadhon, a Private First Class assigned to Company C UNP 7-1 of the Mechanised Battalion XXIII-S/UNIFIL Task Force, was killed on Sunday evening, 29 March, when the projectile exploded at a guard post near Adchit Al Qusayr.
UNIFIL said the explosion occurred at one of its positions and confirmed that an investigation had been launched to determine the origin of the projectile.
“A peacekeeper was tragically killed last night when a projectile exploded at a UNIFIL position near Adchit al Qusayr,” the mission said in a statement, adding: “We do not know the origin of the projectile.”
Farizal, who served as a provost assistant in his battalion’s headquarters company, is survived by his wife and a two-year-old child.
Injuries and medical response
The incident also left three other Indonesian personnel injured. Rico Pramudia sustained critical injuries and was evacuated by helicopter to St George Hospital.
Two others—Bayu Prakoso and Arif Kurniawan—suffered minor injuries and were treated at a UNIFIL Level I medical facility.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the casualty figures, stating that one soldier was killed, one seriously injured, and two lightly injured in the incident.
Escalating conflict environment
The attack occurred amid intensifying clashes between the Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, particularly in areas close to the Israeli border.
The town of Adchit al Qusayr lies near this frontier, where Israeli military operations have expanded in recent weeks. Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an expansion of ground operations in Lebanon, including efforts to extend a security buffer zone towards the Litani River.
The broader conflict has intensified since late February, following military operations involving Israel and the United States targeting Iran-linked assets, and subsequent retaliatory actions by Hezbollah.
Investigation and UN response
UNIFIL said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the source of the projectile.
António Guterres condemned the attack and confirmed the death of the Indonesian peacekeeper.
“I strongly condemn Sunday’s incident that killed an Indonesian peacekeeper … amid hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah,” he said, extending condolences to the victim’s family, colleagues, and the Indonesian government, and wishing a full recovery to the injured.
“This is only one of several recent incidents that have endangered the safety and security of peacekeepers,” he added.
Indonesian government response
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident and called for a thorough and transparent investigation.
The ministry reiterated its call for all parties to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty, halt attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and return to dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Foreign Minister Sugiono expressed condolences and said Indonesia is prepared to support mediation efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Separately, the Embassy of Iran in Jakarta also conveyed condolences and condemned the attack, stating that targeting peacekeepers constitutes a violation of international law.
Calls for review of deployment
The incident has prompted calls within Indonesia to reassess its participation in the UNIFIL mission. Dave Laksono, Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives, said the government should evaluate whether the deployment remains appropriate given the current security situation.
“Our function is to maintain peace. Clearly, there is no peace there—what we are seeing is active conflict,” he said.
Ongoing measures
The TNI said it has heightened alert levels for its personnel in Lebanon in accordance with UNIFIL procedures. The body of Farizal Rhomadhon is being laid in state at the UNIFIL East Sector Headquarters, with repatriation arrangements under way through Indonesia’s embassy in Beirut.
Authorities said monitoring of the situation will continue, alongside preparations for contingency measures as the security environment in southern Lebanon remains volatile.
