Italian soldier found dead at UNIFIL base in Lebanon

'Suicide or accidental shooting' investigators say

(ANSA) - Rome, August 12 - An Italian army soldier was found dead early on Tuesday at the southern Lebanese base in Shama which is hosting the Italian blue-helmet contingent taking part in the United Nations UNIFIL mission, authorities said. The non-commissioned officer from the northern Italian town of Palmanova had been serving with the Combat Service Support Battalion, a logistics division, since May. He was felled by a gunshot wound to the head from his service weapon. UNIFIL is working closely with Lebanese authorities to establish cause of death.

Murder has been ruled out, which leaves either suicide or an accident, investigators said. "He was an esteemed and committed peacekeeper who was dedicated to the UNIFIL mission," said UNIFIL commander Luciano Portolano, who offered his condolences to the soldier's family.