Following a request from the Government of Lebanon, UNIFIL peacekeepers last week resumed humanitarian demining in southern Lebanon – nearly two years after operations were suspended due to exchanges of fire across the Blue Line.

UNIFIL deminers from Cambodia and China started work in two minefields, near Blida (Sector East) and Maroun ar-Ra’s (Sector West), covering a combined area of approximately 18,000 square metres.

This operation is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding UNIFIL signed with the Lebanese Army in March, reinforcing cooperation in demining that ultimately contributes to the expansion of State authority.

Such operations are crucial to minimize risks to civilians living or visiting areas close to the Blue Line – especially in the wake of the recent conflict.

This is in addition to the ongoing operational demining in and around several UNIFIL bases as well as near Blue Line markers.

UNIFIL has expanded its explosive reconnaissance, clearance and disposal capacity, with 24 teams now operating – an increase from nine in October 2023.

This enhanced capability enables the mission to take on additional tasks, including road clearance operations and the detection and disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO).