The Sassari Brigade returns to Lebanon: here's when and why (probably the last Italian contingent in UNIFIL)

Sassari – In early March 2026, the “Sassari” Brigade will return to Lebanon, assuming command of the Italian contingent and Sector West of UNIFIL, the United Nations multinational peacekeeping force deployed in the south of the country.

Leading the “dimonios” in this new rotation will be Brigadier General Andrea Fraticelli, the current commander of the Sassari Brigade. In the deployed unit, a central role will also be played by the 152nd Infantry Regiment “Sassari”, currently commanded by Colonel Luigi Carlà.

Why they are returning: command of Sector West and UN mission

Sector West is one of the most sensitive areas of the UN mission along the separation line with Israel (“Blue Line”), where UNIFIL operates to contribute to stability and the respect of international commitments, particularly UN resolution 1701 (2006).

For the Sassari Brigade, this is a return “with operational memory”: it is the fourth mission in Lebanon after the mandates of 2016, 2020-21, and 2024-25.

Why it might be the last Italian contingent in UNIFIL

The rotation starting in March 2026 takes place in a politically decisive phase: the UN Security Council has renewed UNIFIL “for the last time” until December 31, 2026, then requesting a gradual withdrawal in 2027.

In this context, the contingent led by Sassari is likely to be among the last, if not the probable last “full cycle” Italian in the current mission configuration: from 2027, in fact, the international presence is expected to enter the drawdown phase (progressive reduction) until closure. (The final confirmation will depend on the actual reduction timelines and the operational choices of the UN and contributing countries.)