UN Peacekeepers Uncover Unauthorized Weapons in Lebanon Amid Drought Crisis

UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have discovered a cache of unauthorized weapons, including rocket launchers and mortar rounds, while the country struggles with a severe drought that threatens millions with life-threatening water shortages. The discoveries were made on Tuesday and Wednesday in separate incidents in Sectors East and West, with all finds referred to the Lebanese Armed Forces in line with standard procedure. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been training Lebanese military personnel in surveying and removing explosive devices, securing contaminated sites, and navigating mined areas to strengthen their capacity.

Key Takeaways:

• UN peacekeepers have uncovered rocket launchers, mortar rounds, and other unauthorized weapons in southern Lebanon.
• The discoveries were made in Sectors East and West, with all finds referred to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
• UNIFIL has been training Lebanese military personnel in surveying and removing explosive devices, securing contaminated sites, and navigating mined areas.
• The region remains a challenging operational environment, where UNIFIL works to implement Security Council resolution 1701.
• The drought in Lebanon is having a severe impact on the country's water systems, with Lake Qaraoun at its lowest level on record.
• An estimated 1.85 million people live in areas highly vulnerable to drought, with over 44% of the population dependent on costly and often unsafe water trucking services.
• The drought has caused a sharp decline in food production and increased reliance on expensive imports, deepening food insecurity.
• The WASH cluster warned that without urgent international support, the crisis could further destabilize an already fragile nation.

Statistics:

• 1.85 million people live in areas highly vulnerable to drought.
• 44% of the population is dependent on costly and often unsafe water trucking services.
• Lake Qaraoun has dropped to its lowest level on record.
• In 2023, inflows during the wet season reached just 45 million cubic meters, compared to an annual average of 350 million.
• Over 44% of the population is dependent on costly and often unsafe water trucking services.
• 350 million cubic meters is the annual average inflow into Lake Qaraoun.

Sources:

• United Nations (2023). UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon discover rocket launchers, mortar rounds and other unauthorized weapons, while the country grapples with a severe drought, threatening millions with life-threatening water shortages.
• United Nations (2023). Unprecedented water crisis hits Lebanon amid drought.
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) (2023). Lebanon Water Crisis Report: Situation Report 01.
• Litani River National Authority (2023). Lake Qaraoun lowest level on record.