Change at the helm of the Joint Task Force-Lebanon: the 'Taurinense' Alpine Brigade leads the western sector
In a solemn ceremony held at the “Millevoi” Base in Shama, Brigadier General Enrico Fontana was officially invested with the command, succeeding Brigadier General Giovanni Brafa Musicoro at the helm of the West Sector of the Joint Task Force-Lebanon (JTF-L SW), a crucial component of the UNIFIL operation in Lebanon. The event was attended by distinguished personalities, including the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Nicoletta Bombardiere, and Air Force General Nicola Lanza De Cristoforis, Deputy Commander of COVI, Brigadier General Chok Bahadur, Deputy Commader of UNIFIL, underlining the importance of the Italian commitment in this peacekeeping mission.
The Italian commitment in UNIFIL
Italy plays a leading role in JTF-L SW, with a contingent of over 3,600 Blue Helmets from 17 of the 49 participating nations. The national contribution, with over 1,000 units, represents a significant part of the UNIFIL forces, which overall number more than 10,000 soldiers engaged in South Lebanon. Operation Leonte XXXIV saw the Granatieri di Sardegna Brigade complete its fourth mandate, testifying to the untiring Italian dedication to maintaining peace and international security.
UNIFIL Mission and the Contribution of the Alpine Brigade “Taurinense”
Since 2006, the year in which the UNIFIL mission based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 began, the main objective has been to monitor the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, assist local institutions and support the civilian population. The Alpine Brigade “Taurinense” of the Italian Army, with the beginning of Leonte XXXV, marks its third mandate in this context, highlighting the importance of the Italian contribution to regional stability.
A multinational mission
The multinational force structured into five Task Forces, including Ghanaian, Malaysian, Italian, South Korean and an Irish-Polish contingent, represents the essence of international cooperation in the military field. The diversity of nationalities involved reflects the global commitment to peace and security in a historically troubled region.
Activities and cooperation
With over 37,000 patrols conducted in the area of operations and a third of the operational activities carried out in collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Italian commitment extends well beyond military operations. Joint training activities have allowed a deep integration and an exchange of valuable knowledge and experiences between the Italian military and those of the 5th Lebanese Brigade, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The transition of command to the Alpine Brigade “Taurinense” symbolizes not only the continuity of the Italian commitment in Lebanon but also Italy’s determination to actively contribute to international peace and security. At a time when global challenges require a coordinated and supportive response, Italy demonstrates once again that it is a reliable and committed pillar in the international community.
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
