Following the armed conflict of 2024, access to the UN observation post OP LAB, located in the Labbouneh 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.
To re-establish safe conditions, a joint operation was planned and executed on the ground, involving specialized engineering units from the Cambodian military contingent of UNIFIL and Italian peacekeepers from UNIFIL’s Sector West.
The operation lasted 15 days, during which a 1.358 square meter area was cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The mission included the following tasks: Clearance and reopening of the access road to OP LAB using Cambodian mechanical equipment. Area inspection by Italian engineering units with specialized assets (EOD-Explosive Ordnance Disposal, K9, ACRT – Advanced Combat Reconnaissance Team and CBR - Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear team). Provision of armed escort and protection by Italian peacekeepers throughout the entire operation.
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.
To re-establish safe conditions, a joint operation was planned and executed on the ground, involving specialized engineering units from the Cambodian military contingent of UNIFIL and Italian peacekeepers from UNIFIL’s Sector West.
The operation lasted 15 days, during which a 1.358 square meter area was cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The mission included the following tasks: Clearance and reopening of the access road to OP LAB using Cambodian mechanical equipment. Area inspection by Italian engineering units with specialized assets (EOD-Explosive Ordnance Disposal, K9, ACRT – Advanced Combat Reconnaissance Team and CBR - Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear team). Provision of armed escort and protection by Italian peacekeepers throughout the entire operation.
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.
