Commemoration Ceremony in Honour of Lance Corporal Soria and Warrant Officer Class 1 Martín Anguera at position 4-28, Lebanon

•  In southern Lebanon, the Spanish contingent of XLIV Lebanon Brigade paid tribute to fallen comrades who lost their lives in the line of duty

The Spanish contingent of XLIV Lebanon Brigade held a military ceremony at Position 4-28, located along the Blue Line in southern Lebanon, to honour two Spanish service members who were killed in action during Operation Libre Hidalgo.

Lance Corporal Francisco Javier Soria Toledo and Warrant Officer Class 1 Isaías Martín Anguera will forever be remembered for their dedication and selflessness. First Corporal Soria Toledo died on 28 January 2015 when the observation tower he was stationed in was hit by an artillery shell fired by Israeli forces. Warrant Officer Class 1 Martín Anguera died on 13 January 2011 while carrying out his mission. Their dedication, selflessness and commitment continue to set an example for all Spanish military personnel deployed in southern Lebanon.

The commemorative ceremony was held at the former observation tower of Position 4-28, in an atmosphere of solemnity and profound respect. During the reading of the biographical tributes, emphasis was placed on their professionalism, vocation of service and unwavering commitment.

A laurel wreath was then laid at the monument in memory of Lance Corporal Soria, symbolising the Spanish contingent’s recognition of those who gave their lives in service to Spain. Finally, a bugle call in honour of the fallen marked the most solemn moment of the ceremony, in an atmosphere of contemplation shared by the entire formation.

Spain in UNIFIL

The Spanish Armed Forces have been deployed in Lebanon since September 2006. The main body of the Spanish contingent is stationed at Miguel de Cervantes Base, near the town of Marjayoun, which hosts the UNIFIL Sector East Headquarters, led by Spain. Spanish personnel are also deployed at the UNIFIL Mission Headquarters in Naqoura.

At the moment, approximately 650 Spanish service members are deployed with UNIFIL. Their mission is to ensure compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, in a highly unstable security environment, despite the peace agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon.

Spain’s participation in the United Nations mission in Lebanon has become firmly established over the years, clearly demonstrating its commitment to peace, security and stability in the region. Alongside their military duties, the Spanish contingent has undertaken numerous Civil-Military Cooperation activities, fostering positive relations with the local population.