UNIFIL's East Sector Brigade and the Lebanese Armed Forces reinforce joint surveillance of the Blue Line

• The main objectives are to prevent hostile activities and ensure control of the border between Lebanon and Israel, as well as freedom of movement

The Spanish Battalion (SPANBATT), part of the Multinational Brigade East of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has carried out a joint activity with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with the main objective of preventing hostile activities; to ensure control of the border between Lebanon and Israel, known as the Blue Line; and to guarantee freedom of movement.

In this context of cooperation, it has also been possible to strengthen knowledge of the situation on the ground and demonstrate the tactical preparedness of the Spanish unit to respond effectively to any eventuality within its area of operations.

In addition, efforts have been made to reinforce the legitimacy of the Blue Line through constant and effective monitoring, thereby strengthening UNIFIL's presence in the area and underscoring its importance as a guarantor of regional security.

Aside from its operational objectives, the mission has included activities to assist the local population, reaffirming UNIFIL's commitment to the health and well-being of civilians, as well as the gradual return to normality in various localities in southern Lebanon. This social cooperation strengthens the population's confidence in the international presence, while promoting sustained interaction between the deployed forces and local communities.

With this operation, Spain reaffirms its commitment to peace and stability in southern Lebanon, working hand in hand with its Lebanese and international partners to fulfil the United Nations mandate set out in Resolution 1701/2006.

The 16th Canary Islands Brigade (BRICAN XVI) in Lebanon

The 16th Canary Islands Brigade (BRICAN XVI) is the base unit of the 43rd Lebanon Brigade, responsible for the eastern sector of UNIFIL's area of responsibility in southern Lebanon. This is the third time that BRICAN XVI has been deployed to Lebanon to comply with Resolution 1701, approved by the United Nations Security Council on 11 August 2006, which has subsequently been extended.

The contingent is mainly made up of personnel from the units of the 16th Canary Islands Brigade (BRICAN XVI), specifically members of the BRICAN XVI Headquarters, the Staff of the Light Protected Tactical Group (GTLP) and a Tactical Subgroup (S/GT) from the 9th Infantry Regiment Soria 9, a Tactical Subgroup (S/GT) from the Canarias 50th Infantry Regiment, an engineering unit (UING) from the 16th Sappers Battalion, a communications unit (UTRANS) from the BRICAN XVI Headquarters Battalion, the Base Support Unit (UABA) and a Surveillance Unit, both from the 93rd Field Artillery Regiment, as well as the Logistics Unit (ULOG), composed mainly of personnel from the 16th Logistics Group and the 81st Logistics Support Group.

In addition, the General Command of Melilla is providing a unit from the 10th Alcántara Cavalry Regiment to BRILIB XLIII, which also has the support of personnel from other units of the Army, Armed Forces and Guardia Civil.