“It is a course that helps us acquire basic-self defence skills using daggers and pistols , unarmed self-defence methods against an unarmed opponent, as well as developing our techniques in individual attack and how to use edged weapons,” said Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Captain Houssam Mhanna, who is participating in a joint training exercise with UNIFIL peacekeepers from the Republic of Korea, in the outskirts of Tyre, south Lebanon.

From 11 June till December, UNIFIL’s ROKBATT or the Republic of Korea Battalion is holding a joint training exercise with the LAF to instruct Teukgong Moosool (TGMS) which is an official martial art and combat technique practiced by the South Korean Special Forces.

ROKBATT is holding this exercise three days a week over a period of six months at its base.

Capt. Mhanna elaborated on the importance of the training by underlining how this exercise develops physical abilities and ups the level of performance in various tasks.

He said, “it boosts durability, responsiveness, and maneuvering skills against any threat from hostile opponent.”

Joint trainings and exercises between UNIFIL and LAF lie at the core of the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 1701, which forms the core of UNIFIL’s mandate. This stipulates strengthening LAF capacities, improving mutual coordination, and enhancing military exchanges and joint operational capabilities.

In the first six months of 2019, UNIFIL peacekeepers have conducted 342 training exercises, like the one conducted by the Korean peacekeepers, with the goal to enhance Lebanese Army capabilities.

Manned with 333 peacekeepers, ROKBATT conducts several joint training exercises on counter-terror and combat techniques with Lebanese military and security forces, along with supporting local communities through a network of development projects and social services in response to the requests from local officials.