The UAE's commitment to protect its brothers and friends from potential lethal risks was reflected in its initiative to make Southern Lebanon mines-free. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the  UAE and the Lebanese Republic on 25th October, 2001, as a result of a noble initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. UAE President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, where UAE allocated a sum of $50 million to help de-mine the Southern Lebanon liberated areas. U AE collaborated with Lebanon under the UN umbrella to establish a coordination center.

The project was divided into three Phases. The 1st Phase tackled the issue of identifying and clearing of deceptive traps. The 2nd phase was divided into four geographical areas covering 472 square kilometers and including 92 towns and villages in Soar, Pint Jibail and Marjiyoon. It became clear that the aforesaid area embedded 306 minefields, of which 58,000 mines were anti-personnel.

The 1st and 2nd Phases were completed 9 months ahead of schedule, despite the challenges posed by no exact knowledge about the location of the mines, after Israel refused to submit maps; a move that made it nearly impossible for the UAE team to carry out the mission.

The 3rd Phase was named ‘the 5th area’. It included Qilaiah, Marjiyoon,BaLat, Ibi Sl Saqee, Al Khayam Al Mari and Rashya Al Fakhar, and Coveted an area of 87 square kilometers comprising 75 mine-fields embedding 16,000 mines.

Highly sophisticated methods and advanced technologies were used during the de-mining operation. The UAE Unit sought cooperation from two specialized campaigns, who used the latest technology to complete the mission within the stipulated time. The UAE team was able to conclude the mission despite the severe weather conditions.

Statistics showed stories of several martyrs and about 4,000 injured persons, most of whom were victims of antipersonnel mines. There were also a number of injuries resulted from unexploded projectiles or cluster bombs or others. These victims have ever since been suffering from diverse health problems.

According to local estimates, just after the Israeli withdrawal, nearly 550,000 mines were placed on the Lebanese soil, while UN and Lebanese authorities reported the existence of 400,000 mines of different kinds. 

Last June UAE and Lebanon celebrated the completion of the UAE-Southern Lebanon de-mining Solidarity Mission. Great success has been achieved within a short time frame, during which more than 62,000 mines were cleared over a 9,000.000 square meters area, comprising 123 village and farms at Soar, Pint Jibail, Marjeioon and Hasbia.