War in the Middle East: shooting with light weapons, Hezbollah involved… What we know about the death of a French soldier in Lebanon

A French soldier was killed and three were injured in southern Lebanon on Saturday, April 18, during an attack on UN peacekeepers. The head of state, Emmanuel Macron, announced the news on social media. According to the President, “everything indicates that Hezbollah is responsible for this attack.”

“The nation bows with respect and expresses its support to the families of our soldiers and all our military personnel engaged in peacekeeping in Lebanon. Everything indicates that Hezbollah is responsible for this attack. France demands that the Lebanese authorities immediately arrest the culprits and take responsibility towards UNIFIL,” he declared on X.

Catherine Vautrin, the Minister of Armed Forces, also commented, paying tribute to the fallen soldier, a man who “inspires respect, admiration for his journey, personality, and courage.”

An ambush set up by “an armed group at very close range”

The political leader provided details on the circumstances of the French soldier’s death, which occurred in the Deir-Kifa region in Lebanon. “He was ambushed by an armed group at very close range. Immediately hit by direct gunfire, his comrades attempted to revive him under fire but were unsuccessful,” she shared.

Chief Sergeant Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineering Regiment died for France in the Deir-Kifa region in Lebanon. For 18 years, he had been committed with strength and determination to serve his country, defend peace, fight terrorism, and protect his… [Twitter link]

— Catherine Vautrin (@CaVautrin) April 18, 2026

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon confirmed Catherine Vautrin’s statements, highlighting a “deliberate attack” with firearms against the peacekeeping Blue Helmets “by non-state actors,” likely Hezbollah, during a demining operation. UNIFIL calls for a prompt investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Chief Sergeant Florian Montorio killed, three other soldiers injured

The victim of this ambush was Chief Sergeant Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineering Regiment. He “was on a mission to open a route to a UNIFIL post that had been isolated for several days due to fighting in the area,” detailed Catherine Vautrin, emphasizing that this “experienced non-commissioned officer” had previously been “deployed multiple times on operations.”

“The nation mourns the loss of one of its sons who gave his life for it. My thoughts go to his partner, his children, his loved ones, and his brothers in arms,” added the Minister.

The severity of the injuries to the three other soldiers was not specified. This is the second French soldier killed by allies of Tehran since the start of the war initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran, which has ignited the entire region.

Emmanuel Macron asks Lebanon to “ensure the security of UNIFIL soldiers”

Emmanuel Macron spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, urging them to “ensure the security of UNIFIL soldiers” after a French soldier was killed and three others injured in an attack on the Blue Helmets.

The French President, who stated on his Twitter account that “everything indicates” Hezbollah was responsible for the attack, called on “Lebanese authorities to shed light on this, identify and promptly prosecute the perpetrators, and take all necessary measures to ensure the security of UNIFIL soldiers, who must not be targeted,” as reported by the Élysée.

Lebanese President promises to pursue those responsible, Hezbollah denies involvement in the attack

Lebanon’s President pledged to pursue those responsible for the attack on French Blue Helmets in southern Lebanon. Joseph Aoun “firmly” condemned the “targeted attack against the French contingent” of the UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) who were carrying out their peacekeeping mission in Lebanese territory, according to a statement from the presidency. During a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, he assured that “Lebanon will not allow any leniency in pursuing those involved.”

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement, also condemned the deadly attack on French Blue Helmets. In a statement, Nabih Berri stated, “condemning the attack on a patrol of the French contingent of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.” France indicated that “everything indicates that Hezbollah is responsible for this attack.” A French soldier was killed, and three others were injured.

In a statement, Hezbollah denied any involvement in this attack on UNIFIL.