UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to work in a challenging environment in southern Lebanon, facing movement constraints and ongoing security risks while carrying out their mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701.
Since renewed hostilities began on 2 March 2026, six peacekeepers have been killed and several others injured while on duty in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL stresses that all attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and must stop.
To honour fallen colleagues, peacekeepers gathered at positions across Sector Westfor a sports event held in memory of all UNIFIL peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving for peace. The event was organized by the Italian contingent and brought together troops from several contributing countries, including at the main event in Shama.
To honour fallen colleagues, peacekeepers gathered at positions across Sector West for a sports event held in memory of all UNIFIL peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving for peace. Organized by the Italian contingent, the event also marked one month since the death of French Sergeant Major Florian Montorio and brought together troops from several contributing countries, including at the main event in Shama.
The activity was inspired by Sergeant Major Montorio, who was killed on 18 April 2026 while conducting a route-clearance operation near a UN position in Deir Kifa. It combined a fitness circuit and a short run inside the base. The event was not only a sporting activity but also a moment of teamwork, remembrance, and shared commitment.
“Paying tribute to those who gave their lives for peace is not only a moral duty, but also an act that strengthens the identity and values of every soldier deployed on mission,” said Brigadier General Andrea Fraticelli, Commander of the Italian contingent and UNIFIL’s Western Sector.
The event ended with a minute of silence for all fallen peacekeepers, including French Sergeant Anicet Girardin, who later died from wounds sustained in the same incident in April, and four Indonesian peacekeepers killed in March: Corporal Farizal Rhomadon, Corporal Rico Pramudia, Major Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, and First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan.
