A United Nations peacekeeper was killed and another critically injured in an explosion in southern Lebanon, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported.

According to BBC reporting, two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in the incident, though UNIFIL's initial statement indicated one fatality and one critical injury. The discrepancy in casualty figures could not be immediately resolved.

The explosion represents the second fatal incident involving UN peacekeepers in the region within 24 hours, according to UNIFIL. The incidents occurred as Israel has expanded its military operations against Hezbollah in the area.

UNIFIL has maintained a presence in southern Lebanon since 1978, with its mandate including monitoring the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. The force currently includes peacekeepers from multiple contributing nations.

No immediate details were provided about the cause of the explosion or the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. The timing coincides with heightened military activity in the region as Israeli forces conduct operations targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.