Two soldiers from the Ghana Armed Forces have been critically injured after their base in southern Lebanon came under missile attack amid escalating clashes between Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah.

According to a statement issued by the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghanaian Battalion Headquarters serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was struck by two missiles between 5:45pm and 5:52pm local time on Thursday.

Military officials said the attack left two soldiers critically injured, while another peacekeeper was reportedly traumatised by the incident.

The missiles also hit the Officers’ Mess facility, which was completely destroyed after catching fire.

The injured soldiers were immediately taken to a Level One medical bunker at the base where they are currently receiving treatment.

Authorities say the soldiers are now stable, while arrangements are being made to evacuate them to the UNIFIL Headquarters Referral Hospital for further medical care.

In its statement, the Ghana Armed Forces urged the public to remain calm, assuring that troops stationed in the area have taken shelter in underground bunkers due to the fragile security situation in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, has lodged a protest at the United Nations headquarters in New York City over the incident.

Ghanaian authorities have also called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect their responsibilities under international law and ensure the safety of peacekeepers operating under the United Nations mission in Lebanon.

The attack highlights the growing danger faced by international peacekeeping forces as tensions continue to rise in the region.

By Adama Makasuba