Margarita Robles holds a videoconference with the mission in Lebanon to thank Spanish troops for their work

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Chief of the Defense Staff, Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón, during the videoconference with the commanders of the 'Libre Hidalgo' operation in the Lebanon mission

In the relief process, the 'Aragón' I Brigade, under the command of Brigadier General Guillermo García del Barrio, will tomorrow take over the Lebanon Brigade (BRILIB XLI) in Sector East, as part of the UN blue line surveillance mission in the border area between Israel and Lebanon which, due to the conflict in Gaza, is going through very complicated times.

The minister congratulated Brigadier General Pablo Gómez Lera, head of the outgoing contingent, the BRILIB XL of the XI 'Extremadura' Brigade, for "the impressive work they have all done, with their morale always high despite the hard months they have been through".

"It is a source of satisfaction to celebrate Armed Forces Day (this Friday and Saturday in Asturias), seeing how high the Spanish flag is flying," said Robles.

She wished the incoming contingent all the best: "I know the 'Aragón' Brigade, they are an example of professionalism and good work", and she recalled that "Spain is a very important point of reference in this essential mission of the United Nations".

The Spanish-led Multinational Brigade East is composed of some 3,500 troops of nine different nationalities. Spain, which has been in the country since 2006, contributes around 650 military personnel.

In total, the UN mission, UNIFIL, is made up of almost 10,000 'blue helmets' from 49 different countries and is currently commanded by Spanish Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, whose mandate has been extended until February 2025.

Non official translation