PHOTO // Third UNIFIL contingent of Moldova's National Army starts mission in Lebanon

The soldiers of the National Army's third contingent have officially taken over their duties as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission. The authority transfer ceremony was held at the multinational base, Sector West HQ UNP 2-3 in Shama.

According to the Ministry of Defense, during the event, the Moldovan peacekeepers assumed responsibilities from the Latvian contingent, which was previously part of the Italian unit. The ceremony was attended by the commander of Sector West, Brigadier General Roberto Vergori, as well as soldiers from Italy, Latvia and Moldova. The commander of UNIFIL-3 contingent, Major Dmitrii Viniciuc, received the UN flag, a symbol of exercising the mandate.

The contingent of Moldova is made up of 32 professional soldiers, who arrived in Lebanon on September 8, 2025. They will carry out peacekeeping and stability missions in the area of responsibility in cooperation with international forces.

Moldova has been participating in the UNIFIL mission since 2017, contributing rotating contingents to United Nations peacekeeping operations. The mission aims to monitor the cessation of hostilities on the border between Lebanon and Israel and to support Lebanese authorities in maintaining order and security.