Vienna, 29 October 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Eight Austrian soldiers serving with the UN observer mission in southern Lebanon have been slightly injured by rocket fire, the Austrian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

The ministry said the attack took place at the UNIFIL mission's main base at Naqoura and described the injuries sustained by the peacekeepers as minor.

The ministry said it was not yet clear who launched the attack, however a separate statement from UNIFIL said Hezbollah or another militant group was likely responsible.

"We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms and demand immediate clarification," said Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner.

The UNIFIL camp at Naqoura is located about 110 kilometres south of the Lebanese capital Beirut, near the border with Israel.

The peacekeeping force has been stationed in Lebanon since 1978 and comprises about 10,000 soldiers and civilian personnel. Austria is participating in the mission with 160 soldiers.

UNIFIL said the rocket set a vehicle workshop on fire.

"Peacekeepers were not in bunkers at the time. While some peacekeepers suffered minor injuries, fortunately no one was seriously injured," a statement from the force said.

"The rocket was fired from north of UNIFIL's headquarters, likely by Hezbollah or an affiliated group. We have opened an investigation into the incident."

MIA file photo