UNIFIL: Turkey Informed Us on August 6 the Withdrawal of Its Engineering Construction Unit

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon revealed on Friday that Turkish authorities announced on August 6 the withdrawal of their Engineering Construction Unit from South Lebanon.

"The withdrawal will be completed by the first week of September while Turkish troops will continue to serve in the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force,” UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said.

Tenenti was answering reporters' queries about the future of Turkey's forces serving with UNIFIL in the South following the kidnapping of two Turkish pilots at dawn on Friday in Beirut.

"The Turkish Engineering Construction Unit started serving with the UNIFIL in 2006 and has since provided great support to the troops for its experience and expertise,” he noted.

Tenenti added that 58 Turkish peacekeepers are currently serving with the UNIFIL.

He explained, however, that many countries reduce the number of their peacekeeping troops while others contribute with more forces.

"What matters is that the UNIFIL is capable of maintaining its power on ground to efficiently complete its mission.”