The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stressed that it is still coordinating its patrols with the Lebanese Army (LAF), dismissing rumors and false reports in this regard.
“In recent days, a great deal of misinformation and disinformation about UNIFIL’s mandate has been circulating in the media,” the office of UNIFIL’s spokesperson said in a statement.
“Our peacekeepers remain committed to security and stability in south Lebanon, and to continue to support the people who live here,” it added.
The statement noted that UNIFIL’s operational activities are all coordinated with the Lebanese Army even when it doesn’t accompany UNIFIL’s patrols.
“Our freedom of movement has been reiterated in Security Council resolutions renewing UNIFIL’s mandate, including Resolution 1701 in 2006, and UNIFIL’s Status of Forces Agreement, signed in 1995,” the statement said.
“We work closely with the LAF every day, and this has not changed,” it emphasized.
The statement urged the media and others to check directly with UNIFIL before “passing along incorrect information that could needlessly increase tensions between peacekeepers and the communities we are here to help.”
Related: Hezbollah Says Giving UNIFIL Total Freedom Makes It An Occupation Force
