UN troops in Lebanon
Photo: AP
UNIFIL allowed to use force against Hizbullah
UN issues new rules of engagement for Lebanon peacekeeping force, stating that troops would be allowed to fire in self defense in order to prevent hostile activity, smuggling
WASHINGTON – In light of criticism leveled at the United Nations by Israel and the participating countries regarding the unclear and obscure rules of engagement the UNIFIL force in south Lebanon was instructed to exercise, the UN has issued Tuesday new guidelines on the matter.
The new rules of engagement grant the troops the authority to use force against hostile activity of any kind, whether in self-defense, to ensure their area of operations is not used for hostile activities or to resist attempts by force to prevent them from discharging their duties.
“Should the situation present any risk of resumption of hostile activities, UNIFIL rules of engagement allow UN forces to respond as required," UNIFIL said in a statement.
The effective meaning of the decision is that the peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon would be allowed to operate not only in self-defense, but also to thwart Hizbullah attempts to operate in the area or fire rockets at Israel.
The UN has so far sent 5,200 troops to Lebanon, out of a task force that is set to include some 15,000 soldiers. in a statement published by the UN after the IDF has completed its withdrawal from Lebanese territory , the organization said that in the meantime temporary checkpoints have been erected within the area of operations, and that permanent checkpoints are being established by the Lebanese army.
“In case specific information is available regarding movement of unauthorized weapons or equipment, the Lebanese army will take required action,” the statement said. “However, in situations where the Lebanese are not in a position to do so, UNIFIL will do everything necessary to fulfill its mandate in accordance with Security Council resolution 1701,” it added.
