14th Libre Hidalgo

Marjayoun, 10.05.2011

The 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade “Guadarrama” (known as BRIAC XII), which has its HQ at “El Goloso” base in Tres Cantos (Madrid), has returned to Lebanon as the core of the 14th Brigade "Libre Hidalgo" (BRILIB XIV). The deployment also includes personnel from other units, amongst them the Navy Regiment, the 11th Logistic Support Group, the 12th Cavalry Regiment “Farnesio” and the Navy’s 3rd Aviation Fleet, as well as personnel from the Signals Brigade and the Civil Guard. All in all, BRILIB XIV is made up of 1,004 troops who for the next five months will be integrated into the Multinational Brigade Sector East (MNB SECEAST) of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

1st Spanish Battalion patrol

Spanish Battalion. Signals personnel

On 2 May 2011 BRILIB XIV began its mission in Lebanon to ensure compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. It relieved the previous contingent at the base “Miguel de Cervantes” in the Marjayoun District, nearly 4,000 km away from Spain; the soldiers who made up BRILIB XIII returned safe in the knowledge that they have fulfilled their duty. In the Transfer of Authority ceremony General Miguel Alcañiz Comas, commander of the 12th Armoured Brigade “Guadarrama”, took over from General Teodoro Baños and assumed command of MNB SECEAST.

The whole UN operation in the eastern sector of the southern strip of Lebanon, from the Litani River to the Blue Line which separates the country from Israel, is controlled from the HQ of this Brigade, composed mainly of Spanish personnel. As well as the Spanish troops, the Brigade includes units from Indonesia (1,100 soldiers), Nepal (1,000), India (900), Malaysia (370), China (60), El Salvador (50) and Serbia (5). Over 4,400 soldiers in what is a truly multinational Brigade under UN command and led by Spain since 2006.

The contingent for Operation “Libre Hidalgo” XIV comes mainly from BRIAC XII, which contributes 647 soldiers, and the following (in decreasing order): A company from the Navy Regiment (136 marines); the 11th Logistic Support Group (59), which provides logistic support together with the 21st and 61st Groups; and a squadron from the 12th Regiment “Farnesio”, which has its HQ in Valladolid and constitutes a reserve unit. In addition, 63 soldiers from other Army units such as the Heavy Forces HQ, the 8th Engineer Regiment or the Medical Directorate guarantee that the Spanish force is able to fulfil its duties within the UN mission.

Without a doubt, UNIFIL MNB SECEAST battalions perform the leading role within the UN operation in Lebanon. Deployed in different positions within the area of responsibility of the Brigade, they carry out patrols and man permanent outposts to guarantee the observance of the cessation of hostilities and support and assist the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to control the area from the Litani River to the Blue Line, negotiated with Israel as the line of separation between the two countries but which does not still represent an international border.

The Light Protected Tactical Battalion “Wad-Ras”, made up of 614 troops from the 61st Armoured Infantry Regiment and the Navy Regiment, constitutes the Spanish Battalion (SPANBATT) within the Multinational Brigade. SPANBATT is deployed at sensitive points very close to the Blue Line and its task is crucial: On the security and stability of that area depends to a great extent the success of the mission and the pacification of this region of the Middle East. It includes a 47-strong section of the Salvadorian army, which shows the solid military cooperation between the two countries.

Alongside SPANBATT within Sector East there are other battalions from Nepal, Indonesia, India and a company from Malaysia - all under the command of General Alcañiz. It is a sustained effort from permanent positions to guarantee the observance of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which in 2006 strengthened UNIFIL. The international mandate entrusts the force with ensuring the observance of the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, cooperating with LAF so that they can deploy effectively throughout the south of the country and coordinating with the governments of both countries in order to fulfil these tasks. The important duties performed BRILIB XIV thus contribute to ensuring a lasting peace in the Middle East region.