Spanish UNIFIL peacekeepers participate in the training for the Lebanese Armed Forces

These collaborative military training sessions contribute to the stability and security of the area, while they ensure coordination between the forces deployed along the Blue Line

The Spanish Battalion (SPANBATT) of UNIFIL’s Sector East Multinational Brigade has held joint training sessions for the 7th Brigade patrol leaders of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Its main aim is to strengthen operational coordination and interoperability between the two units.

A two-stage training programme was followed: first, the theoretical foundations of command, control and combat operations were presented at meetings held at the ‘Miguel de Cervantes’ base, in the headquarters of UNIFIL’s Sector East. Afterwards, the application in the field of the theoretical aspects at the LAF training area, located in the town of Kawkaba, took place.

These SPANBATT-promoted activities contribute to strengthening cooperation and coordination ties between UNIFIL and the LAF. They also enable the promotion of interoperability between international peacekeepers and the Lebanese Armed Forces. Finally, they foster mutual capacity-building abilities through the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices.

All in all, this type of joint training, which is part of the cooperation agenda for 2025 by the UNIFIL’s Sector East Multinational Brigade, led by Spanish General Ricardo Esteban Cabrejos, reflects the ongoing commitment to stability and security in southern Lebanon, in compliance with the mandate established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).

Spain in UNIFIL

The Spanish Armed Forces deployed to Lebanon in September 2006. The main body of the Spanish contingent is stationed at the ‘Miguel de Cervantes’ Base, near the town of Marjayoun, where the Spain-led headquarters of UNIFIL’s Sector East is located. Moreover, Spanish troops are present at UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters.

Nowadays, over 650 Spanish military personnel are deployed in UNIFIL, with the aim of ensuring compliance with United Nations Resolution 1701 (S/RES/1701/2006) where a very unstable security situation is encountered, despite the ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon in November 2024. 

Spain’s participation in the United Nations mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is the fruit of the consolidation over the years as a firm demonstration of its commitment to peace, security and welfare in the region. In addition to its military duties, the Spanish contingent has developed numerous civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) activities, which have enhanced ties with the local population.