UNIFIL rebuilds border markers in cooperation with LAF and IDF

UNIFIL peacekeepers have begun refurbishing Blue Line markers damaged during last year’s conflict, marking an important step toward restoring stability in south Lebanon.

Since the refurbishment work on the ground started on 15 October, five new markers have been installed, and more are in the pipeline.

During one such refurbishment mission on 22 October, southwest of the village of Rmeich, dozens of Chinese peacekeepers carried a new blue barrel and construction materials—including cement, sand, water, ropes, and paintboxes—along a route recently cleared of UXOs and ERWs. Ghanaian peacekeepers, responsible for the area, provided security throughout the operation.

Prior to last year’s hostilities, there were 272 markers dotting the Blue Line. A UNIFIL assessment has found that 24 of them were damaged and 33 others destroyed as the conflict intensified last year.

UNIFIL’s ongoing refurbishment work required intensive coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Over the past months, various UNIFIL teams have been actively engaged – from conducting aerial and ground reconnaissance to assess damage, to clearing areas of explosives.

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team confirmed the precise locations for the markers, while the Liaison Branch coordinated with both parties to deconflict this important UNIFIL work. UNIFIL’s construction engineers then prepare and install the new markers.