Cooperation between UNIFIL engineers to optimise explosive ordnance disposal techniques

• Spanish and French UNIFIL blue helmets share knowledge, procedures and capabilities during a workshop at the Miguel de Cervantes base

Spanish engineers from the Spanish-led UNIFIL Eastern Sector and their French counterparts from the Force Commander Reserve held a technical and operational cooperation workshop as part of their joint cooperation and training activities.

The activity, which took place at the Miguel de Cervantes Base in Marjayoun, headquarters of the eastern sector, focused on explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).

The activity took a practical and collaborative approach, with different stations where various methods of searching for, detecting and signalling threats were practised, and where the Spanish blue helmets showed their French counterparts how to use military and civilian means to deal with these situations. These techniques are essential for ensuring safety in demining operations and for recognising explosive devices.

The French unit focused its participation on demonstrating specialised techniques for working vertically as well as in enclosed and confined spaces. These techniques are applied to the detection of explosive devices. These capabilities are essential in complex scenarios where access and visibility are limited.

In addition, both units exhibited their EDO (Explosive Device Disposal) equipment. The day culminated in a joint demonstration of the use of specialised robots, which proved their effectiveness in reconnaissance and handling dangerous objects without putting personnel at risk.

This activity reflects UNIFIL's commitment to continuous training, interoperability between contingents and the improvement of technical capabilities for the benefit of the peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.

Spain in UNIFIL

The Spanish Armed Forces were deployed to Lebanon in September 2006. The bulk of the Spanish contingent is stationed at the Miguel de Cervantes base, near the town of Marjayoun, where the headquarters of UNIFIL's Eastern Sector, led by Spain, is located. There are also Spanish troops at the mission headquarters in Naqoura.

Currently, more than 650 Spanish military personnel are deployed in UNIFIL, with the aim of ensuring compliance with United Nations Resolution 1701.

Spain's participation in the United Nations mission in Lebanon has been consolidated over the years as a firm demonstration of its commitment to peace, security and well-being in the region. In addition to its military tasks, the Spanish contingent has carried out numerous civil-military cooperation activities, strengthening ties with the local population.