Beirut: Following the armed conflict of 2024, access to the UN observation post OP LAB, located in the Labbounah area near the Blue Line, had been compromised due to damage. Both the southern and western access gates were rendered unusable, necessitating clearance and restoration efforts.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, a joint operation was planned and executed on the ground to re-establish safe conditions. This operation involved specialized engineering units from the Cambodian military contingent of UNIFIL and Italian peacekeepers from UNIFIL's Sector West.
The operation, which lasted 15 days, successfully cleared a 1.358 square meter area of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Key tasks included the clearance and reopening of the access road to OP LAB using Cambodian mechanical equipment. Italian engineering units conducted area inspections with specialized assets such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), K9 units, Advanced Combat Reconnaissance Team (ACRT), and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBR) teams. Throughout the mission, Italian peacekeepers provided armed escort and protection.
Upon reaching the site and completing the internal clearance, the United Nations flag was once again raised by the Commander of UNIFIL's Sector West. The restored post will enable more effective monitoring of potential violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and will strengthen the presence of UNIFIL forces along the Blue Line.