Blida: UNIFIL successfully handed over the last two of five minefields, cleared by its deminers in the past six months, to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) during a ceremony in Blida, southeastern Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the cleared minefields, with a combined area of 5,188 square meters, contained 946 mines that were destroyed on site. In total, UNIFIL has cleared and transferred five minefields to the Lebanese Mine Action Centre (LMAC) of the LAF, covering an area of 12,030 square meters since demining operations resumed last August. During these operations, 2,173 mines were discovered and neutralized.
Previous handovers included a cleared minefield in Blida on December 19, 2025, and two others in Maroun ar-Ra's on February 4, 2026. At the ceremony in Blida, UNIFIL Chief of Staff Major General Paul Sanzey, representing the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, praised the deminers for their "discipline, professionalism, and technical excellence." He emphasized the life-saving impact of their work, which enhances the safety of the area and improves the daily lives of the local population. He also highlighted the contribution this work makes toward ensuring a safer environment for future generations in Lebanon.
The resumption of humanitarian demining by UNIFIL peacekeepers last summer followed a request from the Government of Lebanon, coming nearly two years after operations were suspended due to cross-border exchanges of fire. This operation aligns with UNIFIL's ongoing collaboration with the LAF and complements several other demining efforts conducted by UNIFIL peacekeepers over the past year, including around UNIFIL bases, Blue Line markers, and roadblock clearances.