UNIFIL ship damaged in Lebanon blast, several naval peacekeepers injured

Washington [US], Aug 5 : A ship of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Maritime Task Force docked at Beirut port was damaged in Tuesday's blast in Lebanon's capital, leaving some naval peacekeepers injured, the UNIFIL said in a statement.
"As a result of a huge explosion that rocked Beirut Port this evening, one of the UNIFIL ships of the Maritime Task Force docked in the port was damaged, leaving some UNIFIL naval peacekeepers injured - some of them seriously," said UNIFIL in a release.
"UNIFIL is transporting the injured peacekeepers to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment. UNIFIL is currently assessing the situation, including the scale of the impact on UNIFIL personnel," the release said.
UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Del Col said: "We are with the people and the Government of Lebanon during this difficult time and stand ready to help and provide any assistance and support."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and government of Lebanon, following the horrific explosions in the capital, a statement from a UN spokesperson said.
The UN chief wished a speedy recovery to the injured, including several UN personnel working in Lebanon.
"The United Nations remains committed to supporting Lebanon at this difficult time and is actively assisting in the response to this incident," Guterres said.
Also, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of UN General Assembly,(UNGA) also extended his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the explosion in Beirut and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
"Muhammad-Bande would like to reiterate his solidarity with Lebanon during this time," said the Assembly President's Spokesperson.
A massive explosion in the port of Beirut ripped through the city causing extensive damage. Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan said at least 73 people were killed in the explosion and more than 2,000 were injured.