Estonian platoon to Finnish-Irish Battalion (FINIRISHBATT) serving in United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today conducted a joint foot patrol with the members of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) near the Blue Line, separating Lebanon and Israel.
“Members of the LAF lead the joint patrols. They know the areas we patrol and speak the local language, which makes it easier for the UN forces to carry out our duties and thus enhances the opportunity for us to discover potential threats, as rocket launch positions for instance,” Platoon Leader, Second Lieutenant Janari Jaansoo said.
UNIFIL and LAF carry out regular foot and mechanized patrols, man checkpoints, host joint exercises and training, as well as conduct operations to recover and destroy weapons and munitions left from previous conflicts.
While the Estonian platoon of FINIRISHBATT has 1-2 patrols with LAF per week, shared duties and joint trainings are part of the battalion´s routine. Close cooperation between the UNIFIL and LAF forces aims at ensuring safe and secure environment in South Lebanon.
From total over 500 force Finland contributes to Finnish-led battalion with around 300 troops, Ireland around 200 troops and Estonian detachment around 40 troops. FINIRISHBATT is the only multinational battalion with operational units from Finland, Ireland and Estonia operating in UNIFIL Sector West.
As of end of May this year Estonian peacekeepers returned to UNIFIL having served in Lebanon almost 20 years ago.