Two Ghanaian Soldiers Serving Under UN Missions Critically Injured After Missile Strike on Base in Lebanon

Two Ghanaian soldiers serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon have sustained critical injuries after a missile attack struck their base. The incident happened on Friday, March 6, 2026, amid escalating clashes between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

In a statement released the same day, the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the Ghanaian Battalion Headquarters operating under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was targeted during an exchange of fire between the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah. The base is situated in a tense area in southern Lebanon where cross-border attacks have recently intensified.

According to the military, two missiles landed at the battalion headquarters within minutes of each other, between 5:45 p.m. and 5:52 p.m. local time. The explosions caused major damage to facilities within the compound. One of the buildings hit directly was the Officers’ Mess, which was completely destroyed after catching fire.

Apart from the damage to infrastructure, the attack also resulted in casualties among the peacekeepers. Two soldiers suffered severe injuries that are considered life-threatening, while another member of the contingent has been left traumatised by the incident.

Military officials said the wounded soldiers are currently receiving medical care at the Level One Medical Bunker within the UN base, where they have been stabilised. Plans are underway to evacuate them to the UNIFIL Headquarters Referral Hospital for further treatment.

The attack occurred as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate into a wider regional conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The fighting, which began after a major military campaign known as “Operation Epic Fury” was launched on February 28 by the Trump administration to target Iranian military installations, has rapidly spread across the region.

Reports from international monitoring organisations indicate that the conflict has already resulted in more than 1,320 deaths. While Israel is said to have gained significant control of the airspace over Tehran, the fighting has also intensified in Lebanon. Humanitarian groups say Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 217 people this week, forcing thousands of residents to flee as the Israeli military considers expanding operations south of the Litani River.

Reacting to the developments, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks across the region, describing them as unlawful and warning that the growing violence threatens global stability. A UN spokesperson noted that UNIFIL peacekeepers remain deployed despite the security challenges, although their activities have been adjusted to prioritise civilian protection and humanitarian assistance.

UNIFIL authorities also urged all parties involved in the conflict to show restraint, stressing that any attack on UN peacekeeping positions violates international law and breaches United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

Despite the severity of the incident, the Ghana Armed Forces said the rest of the Ghanaian troops stationed at the base are safe and have taken shelter in underground bunkers. The military assured the public that measures are being taken to protect personnel in the area.

Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana has lodged a formal diplomatic protest through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Ghana is calling on all sides involved in the conflict to respect international law and ensure the safety of UN peacekeeping personnel operating in the region.