Chinanews, Lebanon, October 25th, title: Communications: They guard peace at the "Blue Line" on the Lebanese-Israeli border

　　Author Li Bokong Kangyi Liang Yuyuan

　　In the morning light, the forty officers and soldiers of the mine-sweeping unit set out. Due to the complex terrain along the Blue Line and full of mines everywhere, the officers and soldiers could only move forward along the blue barrel passage one by one...

　　The Lebanese-Israeli border blue line is a ceasefire line agreed upon by the United Nations, Lebanon and Israel. At present, more than 300 blue border pillars have been set up, known as blue barrels.

Recently, the 20th batch of demining officers and soldiers of the Chinese peacekeeping force to Lebanon began to implement the orders of the UNIFIL Command to maintain the blue barrels on the blue line of the Lebanese-Israeli border.

　　This is the first time that a new batch of peacekeepers has performed blue bucket maintenance.

Wu Tao, China’s 20th batch of mine clearance supervisors for peacekeeping troops to Lebanon, said, “There are minefields on both sides of the blue barrel channel, which is very dangerous. Due to the long setting time of the channel and the overwhelming weeds, the grid-shaped barbed wire fences on both sides may be artificial or animal. The destruction, coupled with the perennial scouring of water, may cause some mines to be washed into the passage, which makes the safe passage no longer safe." Therefore, they must be very careful in every step of their operations.

　　Walking at the forefront of the minesweeper team holding a mine detector to explore the way is minesweeper team leader Li Wanzeng. This year is his third time abroad for a minesweeping mission. When he sees suspicious places, he will use the mine detector to detect it, sure. Only when it is safe will the comrades behind him pass.

　　"Everyone pay attention to your feet and don't step outside the passage." Li Wanzeng performed the minesweeping task for the third time, and also completed the change from a minesweeping operator to a minesweeping team leader. He reminded his teammates, "The right side is where we will maintain The blue bucket, this area is a very sensitive area, and there are often unexpected situations."

　　Because Blue Barrel is located in a sensitive area on the Lebanese-Israeli border, coupled with constant conflicts and conflicts between the two sides, when performing tasks here, officers and soldiers can often hear gunshots, artillery sounds, and see drones flying over the sky.

In addition, there are many animal activities in this area, such as wild wolves, porcupines, and poisonous snakes. For more than 20 working days, officers and soldiers went down cliffs and walked through minefields to accompany snakes and insects and fight against thorns.

Although there were many difficulties and crises, no one backed down.

The picture shows the 20th batch of demining officers and soldiers of the Chinese peacekeeping force to Lebanon performing tasks on the Blue Line of the Lebanese-Israeli border.

Photo by Li Bokong

　　Dai Zhengqin, a mine-sweeping operator, told reporters that “weeds in the aisle should also be removed during the maintenance of the blue bucket, but many of the weeds here are barbed, and they will be stuck into the meat every time they work.”

　　In this mine-sweeping team, there are also 4 female mine-sweeping operators who have gone abroad for peacekeeping missions for the first time. They perform the same tasks as male soldiers. Compared with the beginning, they are more proficient in their work and their eyes are firmer.

　　Repair and replace the barbed wire, improve the landmine mark, cut the vegetation in the passage, and repaint the blue barrel mark number.

Although it is just a few simple tasks, the dangers faced by officers and soldiers are not many.

　　Even if it is a very simple job, it will be very different in the minefield.

Minesweeper operator Kong Qing said, “I remember that when the blue bucket was first maintained, there was a bare mine not far from my feet. Only then did I realize how dangerous my surroundings are. In fact, this is a very beautiful one. A place, if there is no war, no landmines, this place will be more beautiful. Every time I use a brush to trace red, I feel a great responsibility, because what I write is peace."

　　Chinese peacekeepers and soldiers come for peace. The blue line formed by connecting blue barrels on the Lebanese-Israeli border is a watch for peace. Every peacekeeper, including Chinese peacekeepers, is like these blue barrels. Everyone cooperates and helps each other, using practical actions to help local people restore production and life, and create a peaceful and safe environment.

(over)