The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has reported coming under fire multiple times during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, has been patrolling the volatile border region for decades.
Mission Overview
UNIFIL, short for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, was established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon in response to Palestinian attacks targeting northern Israel. Israel launched another invasion in 1982 but pulled out of southern Lebanon in 2000. UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded in 2006 under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, following the war between Israel and Hezbollah. The force is tasked with monitoring the ceasefire, patrolling the Blue Line (the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel) in coordination with the Lebanese army, and assisting local civilians.Composition and Leadership
UNIFIL’s headquarters is located in the southern Lebanese town of Naqura, where recent indirect talks have been held on finalizing the Israel-Lebanon border. The mission includes about 10,000 personnel, of which 9,500 are troops. Key contributing countries include Indonesia, India, Ghana, Nepal, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, France, China, and Ireland. UNIFIL is led by Spanish General Aroldo Lazaro. Since its creation, UNIFIL has lost 334 personnel in the line of duty.
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