Slovenian troops have been serving in the UN’s Unifil mission in Lebanon since December 2006.

“On Friday morning, our troops were out patrolling. On their way back to the base, they stumbled upon a group of unknown men who put physical barriers in place to prevent their vehicles from being able to move through the area. The troops refused to exit their vehicles (two Humvees) and kept driving until they reached the base. On their way back to the base, several small groups (of up to 15 people) kept stoning their vehicles. Gunshots were also heard, but no-one was harmed, and the troops didn't resort to using their weapons. They remained unharmed. They then returned to the base and have now resumed their duties,” Slovenian army spokesman Simon Korez told Radio Slovenia.

Korez added that the mission in Lebanon is difficult, incidents are common, but this incident was especially unsettling. However, the troops are trained to deal with such matters, so they were able to react in a professional manner.

Slovenian troops have been serving in the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon since December 2006. A total of 15 Slovenian soldiers are currently serving in Lebanon. They are stationed in Shama in southern Lebanon, an area often described as a Hezbollah stronghold.

T. H. (MMC); Radio Slovenija; translated by D. V.