Army expands patrols around Sidon after explosive device found
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) on Wednesday implemented a number of security measures along the sea front of the southern port city of Sidon, a security source told The Daily Star. According to the sources, who wished to remain anonymous, a number of LAF soldiers were deployed and conducted road patrols along Sidon”s coastal road. LAF soldiers could be seen from the Saynique Bridge south of Sidon to the Awalli River near the city”s port.
The measures, which came into force a few days ago, were strengthened after an explosive device was found off the Marine Boulevard on Sunday, the sources said. The LAF is currently conducting dog patrols and scanning operations along Sidon”s piers and on all roads that branch off of the city”s coastal highway.
The measures came into force as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) warned its personnel and patrols to avoid traveling on the road next to the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp outside of Sidon.
According to the sources, UNIFIL instructed its personnel to instead travel along the coastal road next to Sidon Port.
Information about the possible targeting of UNIFIL had been passed onto the LAF and the Internal Security Forces, the sources added.
Meanwhile, UNIFIL Political Affairs Officer Milos Strugar told reporters that the peacekeeping force had not changed its assessments of potential threats, but said UNIFIL was taking comprehensive security measures.
UNIFIL was focusing on its operations and the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, Strugar said.
The official added that the LAF was responsible for maintaining law and order in UNIFIL”s areas of operations, south of the Litani River.
In a related development, UNIFIL spokesperson Yasmina Bouziane said on Wednesday that media reports suggesting a standoff between the peacekeeping troops and Lebanese villagers had occurred were "baseless," "wrong" and "regrettable." Reports that UNIFIL troops had been harassed by residents of Bafleh village near Tyre for taking "souvenir photographs" were published on Tuesday by Lebanon”s National News Agency and Voice of Lebanon Radio.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Bouziane clarified Tuesday”s events. "Local inhabitants of Bafleh approached a night patrol and expressed some apprehension concerning the conduct of the patrol in the area," she said.
"UNIFIL”s commanding officer clarified to the local inhabitants the nature of the patrol”s mission, after which they dispersed and the patrol proceeded" with its mission.
"Absolutely no standoff" had taken place, she said, and no photographs had been taken. "In any case, UNIFIL follows clear UN guidelines on the use of photographs," said Bouziane, adding that these allow the use of photography, video and audio "in support" of its operations.
"We have good relations with local populations, mayors and muhktars," she added, citing the Civil Military Coordination (CIMIC) activities that UNIFIL undertook in South Lebanon. Among other things, CIMIC projects have helped to develop local infrastructure and build playgrounds, she said.
UNIFIL was established by the UN Security Council in 1978 to ensure Israel”s withdrawal from Lebanon and maintain peace and security. Its mandate was extended and expanded after the 2006 war with Israel.