Latest news with #Srifa
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
UNIFIL Affirms Freedom of Movement Amid Tensions in South Lebanon
The United Nations peacekeeping force in south Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reaffirmed its authority to move freely and conduct patrols with or without Lebanese army presence, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The statement came after an incident in the town of Srifa, where local residents intercepted a UNIFIL patrol. A man climbed onto a UN vehicle and raised a Hezbollah flag in protest over the absence of a Lebanese army escort. The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, which has been in place since November 2023. Southern Lebanese villages, particularly those south of the Litani River, appeared nearly deserted during the Eid al-Adha holiday. In contrast to the crowds seen during Eid al-Fitr, most streets were empty, with only a few remaining residents visible. The destruction caused by Israeli attacks has prevented many from returning to their homes in border villages. Continuous drone surveillance and frequent airstrikes have further discouraged residents from even briefly visiting their damaged properties. Those who did visit on the first day of Eid described their trips as 'urgent and brief,' citing the persistent threat of renewed attacks. Israeli forces have been accused of several violations in recent days. Local media reported the abduction of a Lebanese shepherd near the town of Shebaa, as well as the injury of a civilian after an Israeli drone dropped two stun grenades in the town of Houla. Heavy machine gun fire was also reported near the towns of Rmeish and Aita al-Shaab. UNIFIL confirmed the Srifa incident, with spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stating that a group of civilians stopped a scheduled patrol. 'The peacekeepers were able to resume their duties after the Lebanese army intervened,' he said. Tenenti emphasized that Resolution 1701 grants UNIFIL full freedom of movement, adding: 'While we coordinate closely with the Lebanese army, freedom of movement is essential to fulfill our mandate.' Incidents involving local opposition to UNIFIL patrols have become more frequent in recent weeks. With more than 400 patrols conducted daily in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army is unable to accompany all of them due to limited manpower. UNIFIL continues to view its presence as vital to regional stability, and discussions are underway to extend its mandate beyond August.
LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
UNIFIL spokesperson says patrol blocked in Srifa was coordinated with Lebanese army
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said Saturday that a group of men in civilian clothes stopped a peacekeeping patrol in the town of Srifa earlier in the day despite the fact that the patrol had been coordinated with the Lebanese Armed Forces. 'The peacekeepers were able to resume their scheduled activity after the intervention of the Lebanese army,' Tenenti said. He added that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 grants UNIFIL the authority to move freely and carry out patrols—with or without the presence of the Lebanese army. 'This is part of our mandate,' he said. 'While we coordinate closely with the Lebanese army, the freedom of movement of our peacekeepers is essential for fulfilling our mission.'
LBCI
4 days ago
- LBCI
UNIFIL patrol blocked in south Lebanon, Hezbollah flag placed on vehicle (Video)
A group of young men in the southern town of Srifa blocked a UNIFIL patrol in the Wadi Saluki area on Saturday, protesting the lack of a Lebanese army escort. The group placed a Hezbollah flag on one of the patrol's vehicles before a Lebanese army unit arrived and resolved the situation without incident.
