United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

Advance units of a new UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) began moving into southern Lebanon on 22 March 1978. The purpose of the force, spelled out in a Security Council resolution of 19 March (resolution 425) is to confirm the withdrawal of Israel forces, restore international peace and security, and assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area. The strength and composition of the Force (total 6,100 men) as of 13 June is as follows: Infantry units Fiji - 500, France -703, Iran - 714 (including 190 temporarily detached from UNDOF), Ireland - 665, Nepal - 642, Nigeria - 669, Norway - 723, Senegal - 634; Logistic units Canada - 102 (including 11 temporarily detached from UNEF), France - 541, Norway - 207. In addition 42 military observers of UNTSO assist UNIFIL in the performance of its tasks. The last phase of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon took place on 13 June. The withdrawal process was verified by six teams of UN military observers and the Israeli positions were subsequently taken over by UNIFIL.
Members of the French contingent raise the UN flag as they take over an Israeli position during the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the remaining occupied area in southern Lebanon on 13 June.