The former Commander of the 187th Parachute Regiment Folgore, Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi, ha assunto ufficialmente il comando del contingente italiano in Libano nell'ambito della missione UNIFIL. La cerimonia di avvicendamento si è svolta presso la base "Millevoi" di Shama, alla presenza del capo missione e comandante di UNIFIL, il Spanish Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenzthe Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Fabrizio Marcelli, the Chief of Defence Staff General Luciano Portolano and numerous Lebanese civil and military authorities.
In his speech, General Portolano emphasised the fundamental contribution of the Italian Armed Forces in South Lebanon, stressing how, since 2006, some 29,000 Italian military personnel have operated within the framework of Operation 'Leonte'. He also expressed deep gratitude for the commitment and professionalism shown by the Italian blue helmets, emphasising their impartiality and sensitivity towards the local population.
General Lázaro praised the Italian military for their dedication and adaptability in a complex and ever-changing environment. He emphasised the success of the mission thanks to the adoption of preventive measures and the constant commitment to the security and protection of UN bases.
General Nicola Mandolesi, the new commander of the Italian contingent, boasts extensive operational experience in the Armed Forces. Born in Massa Marittima in 1972, he attended the Military Academy in Modena and the Army Officers School in Turin, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant and the amaranth beret of the Paratroopers. He served in the Folgore and Nembo units, holding command and staff positions.
He served at the Joint Force Operations Command, held a liaison post at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in Virginia and commanded the 1st Parachute Battalion 'Grizzano and the 187th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore' of Livorno. He also attended the National Defence College in Israel and took up the post of Chief of the Readiness Office of the Land Operations Forces Command and Army Operations Command in Rome. In July 2023, he took command of the 'Pozzuolo del Friuli' Cavalry Brigade.
He participated in operational missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, South Sudan and Lebanon. His honours include the Mauritian Medal of Merit, the Silver Medal for long command, the Gold Cross for seniority and various NATO, UN and national decorations.
His education includes a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, a Master's degree in Strategic Studies and a Master's degree in Strategic Studies, as well as advanced training courses in NATO and international affairs.
At present, the Italian contingent in Lebanon numbers around 1,000 military personnel, placed within UNIFIL's western sector, where a total of 3,800 blue helmets from 17 nations operate. With the handover, a new phase of the mission opens, characterised by operational challenges that will be faced with determination and professionalism under the leadership of General Mandolesi.