Lebanon Brigade XLII and and Military Emergency Unit (UME) Launch New Edition of the ‘Galatea’ Programme

• Over the next three weeks, personnel from the Civil Defence Centres (CDC) in southern Lebanon will undergo specialised training in fire-fighting and urban search and rescue operations

The Lebanon Brigade XLII (BRILIB XLII), together with military personnel from the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) deployed to Lebanon, has launched the latest edition of the Galatea programme at the ‘Miguel de Cervantes’ base, located near Ebel es Saqi. This base also hosts the Headquarters of UNIFIL’s Eastern Sector, which is led by Spain.

The Galatea programme forms a cornerstone of the Spanish Armed Forces' civil support efforts within the area of operations, reinforcing the shared commitment of Spain and UNIFIL to promote security and stability in Lebanon. This new edition, involving 20 personnel from the Spanish Military Emergency Unit, offers the Civil Defence Centres (CDCs) a valuable opportunity to enhance their training, modernise their tactics, and fine-tune their operational procedures in responding to emergencies that impact the civilian population.

The training programme is divided into two core modules. The first focuses on forest fire-fighting techniques, while the second is dedicated to urban search and rescue (USAR) operations, including the rescue of civilians from collapsed structures. Additionally, training will cover the extrication of victims from accidented vehicles.

The reactivation of this programme has been met with positive feedback from both local authorities and the civilian population, particularly since the CDCs have faced significant challenges in recent months, including search and rescue operations in collapsed buildings, fires, and areas devastated by conflict.

As the primary goal of this BRILIB-UME collaboration, Spain is assisting the Lebanese civil protection structure by improving its operational capabilities. This initiative strengthens cooperation with local authorities and contributes to the overall enhancement of civilian security.

In addition to training, donations of essential equipment have been coordinated to supplement the resources available to the CDCs in the Eastern Sector of UNIFIL. These civil organisations play a critical role in managing public needs during emergencies and crises.

General Fernando Ruiz, Commander of UNIFIL’s Eastern Sector, praised the work of the CDCs: ‘The dedication and bravery demonstrated by the Civil Defence Centres in southern Lebanon are truly exemplary. They are valued as integral members of our team and are regarded as equals within the military structure’.

BRILIB XLII: Spain’s Role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

The Spanish Armed Forces have been deployed to Lebanon since September 2006. The main contingent of Operation Libre Hidalgo is based at the ‘Miguel de Cervantes’ base near Marjayoún, home to the Headquarters of UNIFIL’s Eastern Sector, under Spanish leadership. More than 650 Spanish soldiers, part of the Lebanon Brigade XLII (BRILIB XLII) and commanded by General Fernando Ruiz Gomez, are deployed in UNIFIL. Their mission is to ensure compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 in a region marked by fragile security, despite the peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon signed in November.

Spanish troops are also stationed at the UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura, where the mission has been under the leadership of Spanish Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz since 2022.