Beirut, January 2 (NA) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed on Thursday that more than 1,800 peacekeeping personnel have withdrawn from the south of the country since November 2025, and that another 300 will leave their posts by May 2026. Candice Ardell, a spokesperson for the mission, explained that this reduction in the force, which consisted of approximately 10,500 troops from 50 nations, does not imply an early closure, but rather a response to the organization's global budgetary adjustments. The official recalled that under Security Council Resolution 2790, adopted in August 2025, the mandate of UNIFIL was last extended until December 31, 2026, establishing a schedule for a phased and definitive withdrawal during the year 2027. However, Ardell warned that stability in the region remains precarious due to the continued military activity of Israel in Lebanese territory, which represents the main obstacle to the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and lasting peace. Despite the challenges, UNIFIL highlighted that the Lebanese Army has intensified its presence south of the Litani River, destroying 370 illegal weapons caches in the last year. The mission insists that strengthening national forces is the 'cornerstone' for the Lebanese state to fully assume the security of its borders and allow the safe return of displaced persons, urging the parties to abandon hostile rhetoric and respect the ceasefire agreements in force since November 2024.
