Five UN peacekeepers die in Lebanese bomb attack

FIVE Spanish UN peacekeepers were killed yesterday and at least three wounded in an explosion targeting UN troops in southern Lebanon, a senior Lebanese security official said.

It is understood the blast occurred near a base where Irish troops are stationed, and that Irish soldiers raised the alarm and attempted to administer first aid.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) confirmed the explosion and said there were casualties but gave no details. A spokeswoman said: “It is suspected that the incident was caused by an explosive device.”