The UN flag was raised once again yesterday at a UNIFIL observation post along the Blue Line in Labbouneh. The post, which was damaged during the recent conflict, underwent major repairs recently.
The “OP LAB” post became operational after restoration efforts by specialized engineering units of Cambodian and Italian contingents – carried out in coordination with both the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
UNIFIL Sector West Commander Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi raised the UN flag at a brief ceremony.
Following the conflict, both the southern and western access gates to the post were rendered unusable, necessitating major clearance and restoration efforts.
Over a 15-day period, the UNIFIL peacekeepers worked to restore the post, including by clearing 1,358 square metres of surrounding land of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
This post being operational again means enhanced UNIFIL capacity to monitor potential violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Since the cessation of hostilities understanding of last November, UNIFIL peacekeepers have been working to clear areas around its bases and observation posts along the Blue Line of hazardous objects, including landmines and UXOs. The mission has also started repairing Blue Line markers damaged or destroyed during the conflict.