Lebanon: Italian troops restore damaged roads in UNIFIL’s West Sector

Italian troops from the Joint Task Force Lebanon – Sector West (JTF-L SW) of UNIFIL have restored access along several of the main roads in the West Sector, which had been damaged during the hostilities.

The contingent is based on the Brigata di Cavalleria “Pozzuolo del Friuli” and is commanded by Brig. Gen. Andrea Bertazzo. The work enabled the mission to continue its activities on the ground and improved access to villages in the area.

Road network reconnaissance

Patrols and reconnaissance missions had identified roadblocks, craters and impassable stretches along the road network. These conditions restricted UNIFIL movements and hindered access for some residents.

Activities focused primarily on the Main Supply Route, the roads used by the mission to reach communities within the sector.

Genio and dog teams deployed

To restore road access, the Italian contingent deployed Genio units tasked with inspecting routes and checking for the possible presence of explosive ordnance.

Dog teams, reconnaissance and security assets, and medical personnel also took part in the operation. After safety conditions had been verified, the troops removed the obstacles and repaired the damaged road sections.

The work restored the affected roads to service, allowing the local population to use them again.