Visit by the Operations Command Chief of Staff to Spanish peacekeepers in UNIFIL

• Vice Admiral Enrique Núñez de Prado Aparicio highlighted the high level of commitment, excellent training and professionalism of the soldiers of the XLIII Lebanon Brigade

The Operations Command Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Enrique Núñez de Prado Aparicio, visited the military personnel deployed in southern Lebanon under the United Nations mandate. There, he had the opportunity to learn about the situation in the deployment zone, as well as the facilities, equipment and activities of the XLIII Lebanon Brigade (BRILIB) and other international contingents in the Eastern Sector, led by Spain.

During his stay with the Spanish blue helmets, Vice Admiral Núñez de Prado highlighted the high level of commitment shown by BRILIB, under the command of General Ricardo Esteban Cabrejos, as well as the excellent training and professionalism of the Spanish military personnel. He has highly valued the close cooperation they maintain with Lebanese units and military personnel, as this joint effort constitutes a fundamental pillar for the fulfilment of the mandate of Resolution 1701 and, therefore, for stability in the region.

Within the framework of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, battalions from Nepal and Spain, together with the UNIFIL Eastern Sector Engineer Unit, have carried out a coordinated action with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) — called Operation Safe Horizon — aimed at strengthening knowledge of the situation in the region, as well as to demonstrate effective and adequate response capabilities within their area of responsibility in southern Lebanon.

The main objective of this operation is to support the Lebanese military as a guarantor of security and stability in the south of the country, as well as to present UNIFIL as an impartial force whose presence protects and supports the actions of the LAF. Furthermore, these joint activities seek to intensify surveillance in the area, reinforce UNIFIL's legitimate freedom of movement along the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel — known as the Blue Line — and contribute to regional security.

During the mission, units deployed on the ground reported the discovery of a hideout containing various types of ammunition and weapons. The Lebanese Armed Forces took charge of all the material for management and analysis.

This operation reaffirms UNIFIL's commitment to peace and security in southern Lebanon, in close coordination with the Lebanese authorities, and underscores the importance of maintaining an active and vigilant presence in the region.