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UNIFIL: unexploded ordnance found, deminers active; 31 arrested in convoy attack probe
Summary
UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said peacekeepers discovered caches of weapons and explosive remnants, deminers are clearing areas near the Blue Line, and the mission reported 31 arrests linked to an attack on a UN convoy on Feb. 14.
The United Nations spokesperson reported that UN peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon discovered caches of unauthorized weapons and munitions, and that demining teams are assisting Lebanese authorities in clearing explosive remnants between the Litani River and the Blue Line.
Why it matters: The presence of unexploded ordnance increases civilian risk in areas where people are returning, and continued finds complicate humanitarian access and local security.
The spokesperson said UNIFIL is accompanying and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces as they redeploy to more than 100 southern Lebanese locations between the Litani River and the Blue Line. In a recent demining phase, peacekeepers discovered and destroyed 44 unexploded ordnance and six explosive devices during operations spanning Oct. 21 to Feb. 26, the spokesperson said.
Separately, the mission informed the briefing that 31 arrests have been made in connection with an attack on a UNIFIL convoy near Beirut Airport on Feb. 14; the mission is following up with the Lebanese prosecutor, the spokesperson added.
‘‘This latest phase of the conflict has left Southern Lebanon, especially areas close to the Blue Line, heavily littered with unexploded ordnance posing a very serious risk to civilians,’’ the spokesperson said.
Less critical details and next steps: UNIFIL continues to facilitate humanitarian missions in its area of operations; the spokesperson said there have been more than 60 such missions since the cessation of hostilities took effect.
