Chinese Peacekeeping Troops in Lebanon Assist Allied Forces in Completing Unexploded Ordnance Detection Tasks on Patrol Routes

Recently, the situation in Lebanon has continued to deteriorate. The 24th batch of Chinese peacekeeping forces to Lebanon has been urgently tasked to assist Indonesian peacekeeping personnel in completing the unexploded ordnance detection mission along the patrol roads surrounding the UNIFIL command camp.

In recent times, Indonesian peacekeeping personnel have urgently requested the UNIFIL command to establish safe patrol roads outside the camp to strengthen the security defense line. After comprehensive assessment, the UNIFIL command promptly assigned this temporary task to the 24th batch of Chinese peacekeeping forces, specifying a task period of three days, with the core objective being to complete the unexploded ordnance detection and clearance along the patrol roads of the Green Mountain camp, thereby eliminating safety hazards.

In light of the intensified clashes between Israel and Hezbollah on March 1, the UNIFIL forces have canceled peacekeeping tasks outside of camp patrols and duty to reduce risks. Upon receiving the urgent task, the command of the Chinese peacekeeping forces quickly studied and deployed the mission. The current situation in Lebanon is tense, with ongoing localized clashes, scattered unexploded ordnance, and risks from aerial attacks. To ensure zero errors in the mission and zero casualties among personnel, the command convened key personnel overnight to assess the on-site situation, evaluate various risks, and develop a meticulous task plan.

The detection site is fraught with danger, and the personnel must remain vigilant against hidden unexploded ordnance and the occasional roar of fighter jets overhead, while also inspecting every inch of land before them. Thanks to their efficient execution and strong professional skills, the Chinese peacekeeping personnel completed the originally planned three-day unexploded ordnance clearance task in just two and a half days. This detection covered a distance of 5 to 50 meters outside the walls of the Green Mountain camp, establishing over 4,500 meters of safe patrol roads, thoroughly eliminating hazards along the route and marking them, thereby strengthening the safety defense line for regular patrols by Indonesian personnel.

Gao Binbin, a member of the 24th batch of Chinese peacekeeping forces to Lebanon, stated: “Upon receiving the task to assist our Indonesian comrades, we are fully aware that every step of the detection is related to life safety and carries the mission of peace. In the jungle, thorns have scratched our faces and pierced our calves, and sweat has soaked our training uniforms, but we have never backed down. Completing the task ahead of schedule not only alleviates the difficulties faced by our comrades but also demonstrates the peacekeeping resolve of the Chinese blue helmets. We will continue to stand firm and be ready to respond to various bomb disposal tasks at any time.” (Reporter Yang Yuan, Correspondent Qi Pengfei, Qu Fatong)