Yesterday, Defence Minister Margarita Robles held a farewell videoconference with the commander of the Spanish contingent of UNIFIL XLIV, which is preparing to conclude its mission in Lebanon and return to Spain in the coming days. From the Ministry’s headquarters, Robles expressed her appreciation and gratitude to all members of the contingent for their dedication and the work they have carried out as part of the United Nations international mission.
During the call, the Minister highlighted the ‘enormous courage and commitment’ demonstrated by the Spanish servicemen during their deployment, underlining the important role played by these Armed Forces in promoting stability and security in the region. She also highlighted the prestige that the actions of the Spanish servicemen bring to Spain on the international stage.
The contingent commander, Brigadier General Antonio Bernal, provided the Minister with a positive assessment of the mission, highlighting the high level of preparedness and coordination of the Spanish units. The 12th ‘Guadarrama’ Brigade, which has been deployed in Lebanon on seven occasions over a period of more than fifteen years, is made up of around 650 servicemen and women and leads UNIFIL’s Eastern Sector, where it cooperates with forces from several countries, despite the deteriorating situation in the region.
The contingent, which is completing its seventh deployment in Lebanon, comprises approximately 650 servicemen from the 12th ‘Guadarrama’ Brigade and leads UNIFIL’s Eastern Sector, where it works alongside forces from other countries such as India, Nepal and Indonesia. Despite the escalating tension in the region and the recent attacks, the peacekeepers continue to conduct patrols and comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to maintain peace and security in southern Lebanon.