The UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL in southern Lebanon will be discontinued at the end of 2026. This was decided by the UN Security Council in New York. Accordingly, the blue helmets – as demanded by Israel and the USA – to withdraw completely in the course of 2027. This will mark the end of the Lebanon chapter for the Austrian Armed Forces after more than 15 years.

According to current plans, an “orderly and safe withdrawal” will begin within a year from December 31, 2026. Austrian Armed Forces spokesman Colonel Michael Bauer explained that the Austrian soldiers will probably be the last contingent to leave Camp Naqoura in the south of the country: “The 180 soldiers of the Austrian Armed Forces will be the last to hand over the camp, as they are responsible for logistics and firefighting. The plans are being made without time pressure.”

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UNIFIL currently comprises almost 10,000 soldiers and civilian staff, with the largest troop contributors being Indonesia, India, Ghana, Italy and Nepal. Austria has been participating in the mission with around 180 soldiers since a National Council resolution in 2011 – at the end of May, the 28th red-white-red contingent was sent to Lebanon. 28th red-white-red contingent left for Lebanon at the end of May.

Their main tasks: logistical support such as transportation, recovery and repair of UN vehicles, fuel supply, storage and operation of the fire department at the headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon.

©Military News

The UNIFIL force has been stationed in Lebanon since 1978 and was significantly increased following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah with Resolution 1701. The aim was to act as a buffer between the two parties to the conflict.

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