11th Libre Hidalgo

The 6th Parachute Brigade “Almogávares” (known as BRIPAC), with base in Paracuellos del Jarama (Madrid), has relieved the 10th Group “Libre Hidalgo”, made up of members of the 11th Mechanised Infantry Brigade “Extremadura” (BRIMZ XI). BRIPAC is accompanied by a cavalry squadron from the 11th Regiment “España”, with headquarters in Zaragoza, and a logistic unit of the 11th Logistic Support Group, from Madrid. All in all, the new contingent is composed of 1,100 soldiers.

The handover began on 11 April 2010, when four separate groups were sent to the Spanish base “Miguel de Cervantes” near the town of Marjayoun. The new 11th Multinational Brigade “Líbano” (BRILIB XI), commanded by General Juan Gómez de Salazar Mínguez, assumed control of the Multinational Brigade Sector East (MNB SECEAST) of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 15 April 2010.

The bulk of the contingent for operation “Libre Hidalgo” XI comes from BRIPAC, which provides most of the 1,100 Spanish soldiers. In addition to the Spaniards, MNB SECEAST incorporates troops from India, Indonesia and Nepal. The four national units within the Brigade are each assigned an area of responsibility along the Blue Line, the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel.

The Spanish Light Protected Tactical Battalion is backed by a unit from the Salvadorian Army which was trained and prepared alongside BRIPAC. In addition, MNB SECEAST counts with a protection force from Malaysia and a field hospital from the Popular Republic of China. As a multinational unit, its HQ includes personnel from all the aforementioned countries.

Altogether MNB SECEAST has over 4,000 troops led by Spain and deployed in the eastern sector of the UNIFIL area, i.e. the territory between the Litani River in the north, the Blue Line in the south, the Italian-led western sector in the west and the Israeli-occupied Syrian territory in the east. The different brigades are spread over the territory under the responsibility of UNIFIL, in whose headquarters at Naqoura there are also Spanish personnel.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) acts under a UN mandate according to Security Council Resolution 1701 and has as its main tasks ensuring the observance of the cessation of hostilities, supporting and assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces to extend their control south of the Litani River and favouring the supply of humanitarian aid to the civilian population. BRILIB XI is stationed at the “Miguel de Cervantes” base near Marjayoun and positioned at different points along the Blue Line.

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