The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reiterated its right to operate freely across southern Lebanon without requiring accompaniment from the Lebanese army, citing the authority granted to it under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The reaffirmation came in the wake of another confrontation in the southern town of Srifa, where local residents obstructed a UNIFIL patrol. One individual climbed onto a UN vehicle and raised a Hezbollah flag, protesting the patrol’s movement without a Lebanese army escort.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed the incident, saying the patrol was temporarily halted before resuming its mission following intervention by Lebanese forces.

“While we maintain close coordination with the Lebanese army, freedom of movement is fundamental to carrying out our mandate,” Tenenti said.

Tenenti acknowledged the challenges, noting that more than 400 patrols are conducted daily in the region. With limited manpower, the Lebanese army cannot escort all UNIFIL movements.