An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July / August 2023 www.military.ie/magazine 14 | UNIFIL PROVIDED BY COMDT BARRY HANNON T he UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 in response to a surge in violence on the border between Israel and Lebanon. At the time, this Security Council resolution called for an immediate ceasefire and established UNIFIL to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restore peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in restoring authority in the border area. But the peace was short-lived, with UNIFIL stepping in to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to the local population. The Israel- Hezbollah War in 2006 further necessitated the expansion of UNIFIL, to conduct military observations in addition to their peacekeeping duties. Following the 2006 crisis, the Council enhanced the Force and decided that in addition to the original mandate, it would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons. The effective deployment of the expanded UNIFIL and the activities that the Force now undertakes on a daily basis have been critical in preventing a recurrence of hostilities across the Blue Line and has helped to establish a new strategic military and security environment in southern Lebanon. In addition to being responsible for monitoring the cessation of hostilities, in the early stages of the implementation of resolution 1701, UNIFIL also accompanied and supported the LAF, as they deployed throughout Southern Lebanon, for the first time in three decades. UNIFIL continues to provide ongoing support to the LAF, whose primary responsibility is ensuring security in the area. Many operations are performed in close coordination with the LAF across its Area of Operation between the Litani River in the north and the Blue Line (Line of Withdrawal of the Israel Defence Force (IDF)) in the south. These include day and night patrols, establishment of observation points, monitoring of the Blue Line, and carrying out clearance of unexploded ordnance and cluster munitions as well as counter rocket launching patrols. THE 122 INFANTRY BATTALION The 122 Infantry Battalion led by Lt Col Cathal Keohane began Phase 2 of Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on the 13th of March in Kilworth Camp, Co. Cork. It was in Kilworth Camp and its surroundings where the 122 Infantry Battalion started to hone their skills prior to deploying to the Mission Area of South Lebanon in May. This rigorous training plan culminated in Mission Readiness Exercise which took place in the Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow. The unit has prioritized four key areas in their operational training both pre-deployment and in theatre; the ability to Move, Shoot, Communicate and Medicate. This means the unit rehearses and exercise all foot and vehicular patrols, there are numerous range days with combat shooting practices for dismounts and armor alike, the unit has developed extensive communications training and link up procedures and notably have qualified the entire Battalion as Battlefield First Aiders with each unit member now issued the new Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK). This training has allowed the Battalion to maintain its operational capabilities at the highest levels of readiness throughout the deployment. It keeps the unit agile to the evolving operational environment and supports the application of hard and soft power effects across the area of operations. A COMPANY 122 INFANTRY BATTALION A Coy, 122 Inf Bn constitutes the Irish Manoeuvre Company for IRISHPOLBATT, and conducts a significant amount of Framework Operations in the IRISHPOLBATT AOR in order to monitor the Blue Line and maintain a safe and secure environment. A Coy consists of three infantry platoons 122 INF BN UNIFIL CURRENTLY SERVING IN LEBANON

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