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UNIFIL reports weapons caches and restrictions to freedom of movement in southern Lebanon
Summary
UNIFIL said it found two abandoned weapons caches and reported incidents denying freedom of movement to peacekeepers, including an attack on a patrol; the UN and Lebanese Armed Forces completed operational activities to support LAF deployment and called for full freedom of movement under Security Council Resolution 1701.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported the discovery of two abandoned ammunition and weapons caches during recent operations and described incidents restricting peacekeepers’ freedom of movement in southern Lebanon.
The briefing said UNIFIL discovered one cache that included a rocket‑launching platform and another cache of 30 rockets found during a joint patrol with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF); the LAF disposed of the reported items. The UN said these discoveries and joint activities were part of 24 operational activities completed in support of LAF deployment along the Blue Line.
The spokesperson added that the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force conducted training with the Lebanese Air Force off the coast of Lebanon. He also said UNIFIL reported two incidents of denial of freedom of movement; in the more serious case, a group of around 40 individuals in civilian clothes threw stones at a UNIFIL patrol near Bait Liff in Sector West, causing damage to vehicles. The briefing reiterated that Lebanese authorities must ensure UNIFIL has “fully unrestricted freedom of movement” throughout its area of operations as required under Security Council Resolution 1701.
The briefing said the UNIFIL force commander, Lieutenant‑General Aroldo Lázaro, discussed coordination with the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Rudolf Brédil (as read in the transcript), in Nakoura to support redeployment and extend state authority. The spokesperson said the meeting and joint activities aimed to restore stability and extend state authority in line with resolution 1701.
