The soldiers from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) watch intently as a small unit of UNIFIL Estonian peacekeepers demonstrates the systematic technique to scan for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) while on patrol. The peacekeepers carefully scan the perimeter of a parked vehicle using metal detectors, and use spray-paint to mark the cleared area. Following this the LAF soldiers repeat the exercise.

As he watches the LAF soldiers scan and mark the area around the vehicle, Captain Kristjan Kostabi, a UNIFIL peacekeeper from Estonia, comments, “This counter-IED training with LAF troops teaches how to check the roads in case of IEDs. It also shows how to have a decent security while moving around.”

In 2006, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1701, which forms the core of UNIFIL’s mandate, to foster peace and stability in south Lebanon. One of the key aspects of this resolution is that the UN Mission supports the operations of the LAF in south Lebanon. The capacity of both the LAF and the UNIFIL peacekeepers is enhanced through joint training such as this.

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Article: Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Video Camera: Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Editors: Aoibheann O’Sullivan, Suzane Badereddine
Translation: Adib Al-Moussa
Music: Nomina
Stills: Pascual Gorriz
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