U.N. extends peacekeeping force in Lebanon

The U.N. Security Council has voted unanimously to extend the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon for another year, saying the situation there remains a threat to international peace and security.

The council expressed “deep concern” at violations of the 2006 resolution that ended the war between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

The U.N. force, which has been in southern Lebanon since 1978, was expanded after the 2006 war so peacekeepers could deploy along the border with Israel to help Lebanese troops extend their authority into the south for the first time in decades.

The resolution adopted Thursday by the council extends the force’s mandate until Aug. 31, 2013.

The force has an authorized strength of 15,000 troops. The U.N. says 11,530 troops were on the ground at the end of July.