In a significant display of expertise and dedication, all 60 members of the 23rd Chinese Peacekeeping Force to Lebanon have successfully passed the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) qualification assessment on their first attempt.
This dual certification in mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), known as the \"minefield pass,\" marks the first UN assessment since the contingent's deployment rotation in December last year.
During the rigorous evaluation, which spanned five days of training and three days of testing, UNMAS examiners introduced complex scenarios to assess the peacekeepers' skills. The team, consisting of 43 mine-clearing engineers, five EOD specialists, and 12 medical staff, demonstrated exceptional proficiency in handling challenges such as signal sources and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
\"We conducted rigorous and meticulous preparations following UN mine clearance standard operating procedures,\" said Bu Zhenwei, combat engineer company commander. \"Every soldier studied diligently and trained intensively, passing the certification process step by step.\"
The successful certification serves as a critical \"final exam\" before peacekeepers can operate in minefields, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage and neutralize threats effectively.
Reference(s):
Chinese peacekeepers in Lebanon pass UN mine clearing certification
cgtn.com
