The UN: UNIFIL forces unable to conduct patrols in southern Lebanon

The spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stéphane Dujarric, announced that the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon UNIFIL are unable to conduct patrols due to the intensity of military operations in the country. Dujarric said in press statements that "UNIFIL forces remain in their positions in the mission's area of responsibility, while the intensity of the fighting prevents their movements and their ability to carry out the tasks assigned to them." He continued: "Given the intensity of the missile exchange, UNIFIL forces are unable to conduct patrols." In response to a question about the possibility of evacuating UNIFIL forces if the situation worsens, Dujarric refused to "speculate" but indicated that there is a "contingency plan" if necessary. He added: "We are monitoring the development of the situation hour by hour," noting that some civilian employees in UNIFIL have been evacuated to northern Lebanon." Source: National Iraqi News Agency