Patrols in the Buffer Zone

The patrols have the mission of demonstrating the UN’s presence in practice inside a buffer zone between the ceasefire lines, which were established on August 16, 1974. The troops of the Hungarian Defence Forces have been involved in the patrolling tasks for nearly 20 years now.

The 1st platoon of the Hungarian UNFICYP contingent is stationed at Camp Szent István, in the village of Athienou and on patrol base 91 inside the buffer zone. The platoon’s area of responsibility spreads over 75 km2 and includes 120 kilometers of patrol routes and 29 UN installations. The two-man patrols of the platoon are present in the buffer zone every day of the week in 24-hour shifts. Their duties are to observe and report violations of ceasefire by the opposing forces, and to control and prevent all unauthorized civilian activities inside the buffer zone. The amount of military incidents pales in comparison with the civilians’ illegal border crossings. Unauthorized entry by hunters or gatherers occurs on a daily basis, and unfortunately, the local people often dump their household waste in the zone. In order to keep civilians out of the zone, the platoon cooperates with the United Nations Police (UNPOL), the local police and the leaders of local communities.

Due to the extent of the area and the broken terrain, the troops patrol the zone by four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles which are greatly needed due to the difficult terrain and the rainy weather conditions in winter. They carry out helicopter patrols every week in cooperation with the UN Flight, during which they observe positions that are invisible on the ground.

Besides the patrolling, the Hungarian troops participate in flight security operations. In accordance with the training scheme, they continuously conduct skill sustainment/development training which includes CRC practice, accident management drills in the buffer zone and live firing training twice a month. The platoon has the duty of standing up a Sector Force Commander Reserve every three weeks, which is tasked with providing security for protests and demonstrations, accident management inside the buffer zone, and taking over defence of the United Nations Protected Area (UNPA).

In addition, Camp Szent István regularly hosts various visits and events, and the Hungarian contingent gathers here to mark the national days.

In 2010, six Serbian patrolmen joined the Hungarian platoon to strengthen Serbian–Hungarian military cooperation. The Serbian patrols and the Hungarian troops serve together in mixed squads. Knowledge of English as a common language is a prerequisite of cooperation.

During their six-month tour, the soldiers learn each other’s culture and customs as they spend a lot of time together while on and off duty. In the recent holiday period, they had opportunity to give mutual introductions to their national customs and traditional cuisine in a lunch or supper.

Cooperation shows its results in sporting successes as well. At the end of last year, the Serbian–Hungarian team won the Military Skills Competition, the most prestigious race in UNFICYP.

Like all other elements of the Hungarian contingent, the platoon is highly recognized for professionally performing its duties, and provides excellent opportunities to gain experience in an international environment.