UNIFIL’s French peacekeepers hosted members of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in their main base in the south Lebanese village of Dayr Kifa for joint training last week. 

The three-day activity saw 10 Lebanese soldiers learn skills together with their French counterparts on first aid as well as on detecting and mitigating threats posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and chemicals. 

UNIFIL’s French peacekeepers said the aim of the joint training activity was to improve mutual knowledge, shared understanding and skills between the two forces. 

“These training sequences are key to prepare for joint patrols,” said the French contingent. “These patrols between our peacekeepers and LAF are conducted on a daily basis. They contribute to strengthening peacekeeping in south Lebanon.”

Since February this year, UNIFIL’s French-led Force Commander Reserve has conducted more than 30 joint training activities with LAF, with three more planned for this month. 

As part of its mandate, UNIFIL peacekeepers regularly conduct joint training exercises with the LAF. As the UN Secretary-General noted in a report, “a strong and well-resourced Lebanese Armed Forces remains integral to the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006).”