Ghanaian Peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL GHANBATT 85) on Friday held an Inter-Company Combat Walk at Al-Qawzah, Lebanon.

The competition, which was part of their in-mission training activity, was aimed at testing the physical endurance of troops, ensuring a high standard of operational effectiveness, building teamwork and promoting the spirit of healthy competition.

A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency by Flight Lieutenant Elizabeth Fadilatu Salifu, the Press and Information Officer of UNIFIL GHANBATT 85 said.

It said activities of the combat walk included, a 5 km walk through a hilly, undulating mountainous terrain, obstacle crossing; flipping of about 100 kg armored vehicle tyre, pushing, bench press, stripping and assembling of rifles while blind folded among others.

"In all, five companies (military sub-units) comprising Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Headquarters and a Logistics unit took part in the competition. "After the grueling walk and obstacle course, Bravo Company emerged winners. The second-place award went to Charlie Company followed by the Headquarters Company.

"The competition was well attended by both UNIFIL military and civilian personnel and some Lebanese living within the locality", the statement said.

The statement said as part of Ghana’s contribution to international peace and security, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Ghana Battalion 85 (UNIFIL GHANBATT 85), under the command of Lt Col Fiifi Deegbe, arrived in Lebanon on June 30 2018 to begin a one year tour of peacekeeping duty in Southern Lebanon, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

"Since their arrival in Lebanon, the contingent has carried out several operational activities such as conducting patrols along the Blue Line (the United Nations recognised line of withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Force from Lebanon), capacity building and support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and other governmental institutions.

"Over the period, the battalion also carried out several humanitarian activities such as donations, medical and dental outreaches and teaching assistance, among others. UNIFIL GHANBATT 85 is expected to end its tour of duty in July 2019", the statement said.