UNIFIL peacekeepers uncover Hezbollah bunker in South Lebanon

August 28, 2025 / 11:38 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: UNIFIL peacekeepers, accompanying AFP journalists, revealed the discovery of a Hezbollah artillery bunker hidden in a wooded valley near the Israeli border in southern Lebanon. Located on the outskirts of the village of Meri, the site was accessible only on foot through rugged terrain.

Weapons cache includes Soviet-made artillery

Inside the bunker, peacekeepers found a 152 mm artillery cannon pointing eastward and southward, accompanied by dozens of ready-to-use shells stored in nearby boxes.

UNIFIL preps for Lebanese Army handover

Captain Tanguy, commander of the French reconnaissance unit, stated that UN peacekeepers will secure the area to enable the Lebanese Armed Forces to safely retrieve the artillery and munitions.

UNIFIL’s ongoing role amid ceasefire enforcement

Under the US-brokered ceasefire, both Hezbollah and Israel were required to withdraw from southern Lebanon. UNIFIL, alongside the Lebanese military, has been dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure, including tunnel networks. Since the ceasefire, peacekeepers have uncovered 318 weapons caches in the region.

Mandate extended with exit timeline set

The UN Security Council has approved a final extension of UNIFIL’s mandate through the end of 2026, with full withdrawal scheduled by the end of 2027. The mission’s continuation supports the objective of restoring Lebanese state authority in the south.