Beirut, Lebanon – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced the handover of the last two of five minefields completely cleared in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Army, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance stability and protect civilians.
UN sources confirmed that the clearing operations were conducted according to strict international standards and included a comprehensive field survey and the removal of unexploded ordnance. The areas were then declared safe and officially handed over to the Lebanese Army.
UNIFIL explained that this step represents tangible progress in the removal of war remnants, particularly in areas near the Blue Line. In these areas, mines pose a constant threat to the lives of local residents and hinder agricultural and development activities.
For its part, the Lebanese Army commended the ongoing cooperation with the international force. It also affirmed that the handover of the two minefields paves the way for the safe reuse of the land and strengthens trust between residents and official institutions.
Observers believe that the completion of the handover of the five cleared minefields carries both humanitarian and security significance. This reinforces the stability equation in the south and advances practical steps towards reducing the legacy of mines that has threatened lives and impeded development for years.
