United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers resumed humanitarian demining operations last week in southern Lebanon, nearly two years after they were suspended due to cross-border fire along the Blue Line.
At the request of the Government of Lebanon, demining teams from Cambodia and China began clearing two minefields near Blida in Sector East and Maroun al-Ras in Sector West, UNIFIL announced. The combined operation covers around 18,000 square metres of land.
The initiative builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army, aimed at reinforcing cooperation on mine clearance and contributing to the expansion of state authority.
“Demining saves lives and restores freedom of movement for civilians living close to the Blue Line,” a UNIFIL spokesperson said, underscoring the urgency of clearing land that remains dangerous years after a conflict.
Alongside this renewed humanitarian work, UNIFIL continues operational demining in and around several of its bases and near Blue Line markers. The mission has also significantly strengthened its explosive ordnance disposal capacity, increasing the number of specialized teams from nine in October 2023 to 24 today.
This expanded capability enables UNIFIL not only to accelerate minefield clearance but also to take on additional tasks, such as road clearance operations and the safe detection and disposal of unexploded ordnance.
Officials stress that the renewed effort is vital at a time when communities in southern Lebanon remain exposed to explosive hazards following recent hostilities.
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