BRILIB XXXV returns to Spain after its mission in Lebanon

• The contingent, belonging to 'Aragón' I Brigade, hands over to BRILIB XXXVI, made up with units from 'Canarias' XVI Brigade

BRILIB XXXV contingent, organised on the basis of "Aragon" I Brigade, returns to Spain after having developed its mission in Operation "Libre Hidalgo" under the mandate of the United Nations (UNIFIL) in South Lebanon.

Today, with the act of transfer of authority, six months of continuous work and dedication for the benefit of peace, security and international stability come to an end, handing over the baton to the next contingent, "Canarias" XVI Brigade.

After two years in which almost all activity was affected by the restrictive anti-COVID19 protection measures, over the last six months many of the missions and activities previously carried out by our units have been resumed and normalised.

Joint missions with the Lebanese army have increased in recent months; numerous quick-impact projects have been implemented in cooperation with civilian entities and ties with civilian authorities have been strengthened.

The renewal of Resolution 1701 by the UN Security Council last August extended UNIFIL's mandate for a further year, incorporating new forms of support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and thus ratifying the work done by UN forces to ensure the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.

During these months, the contingent has been visited by numerous national and international authorities, including the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who highlighted Spain's commitment to peace and security in the Middle East and the invaluable contribution of the Spanish Armed Forces to UNIFIL.