UNIFIL peacekeepers from the Republic of Korea organized a joint exercise with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) last week to enhance the latter’s military capabilities.

The two-day exercise, from 28 to 29 June, included the Korean contingent’s unarmed combat skills (Taekwondo and combat martial arts) class, and first aid care to gun wounds. The exercise offered an opportunity to solidify the friendly relation between the Korean contingent and the LAF.

This is the Korean contingent’s sixth joint exercise this year. Earlier joint exercises were with different UNIFIL units from France, Italy Malaysia, Ireland and Finland.

UNIFIL’s Korean troops regularly carry out joint operations with the LAF, including foot and vehicle patrols, observation posts and temporary checkpoints. They also provide Taekwondo classes to General Security (GS) and Internal Security Forces (ISF). Taekwondo is also included in UNIFIL’s individual protection classes for ISF and the police force.

Korean Battalion’s Operations Commander Lieutenant Colonel KANG In Su said the participants had the opportunity to experience first-hand each other’s military devices and training methods. “We will continue to do our best in future military exchanges with LAF and help strengthen LAF,” he added.