General Conde de Arjona relieves General Ruiz Olmos and takes charge of the Sector East Brigade in Lebanon

The flag of the United Nations has changed hands again at the base “Miguel de Cervantes” at Majayoun. This time, General Antonio Ruiz Olmos handed it over to General José Conde de Arjona, new chief of the Sector East Brigade of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) during a ceremony on 20 May.

The transfer of authority took place in the presence of the chief of UNIFIL, Commanding General Luciano Portolano, and of the Spanish ambassador to Beirut, Milagros Hernando. It was also attended by many civil, religious and military authorities of the region.

In his speech, the Commanding General remembered Corporal Francisco J. Soria, killed in the line of duty in January. In addition, he acknowledged the contribution of the Spanish Light Task Force to the future of the country and to international security and stability with a “letter of commendation”, a recognition that is only granted as a result of significant exploits in difficult circumstances. Lieutenant Colonel Llorens Pérez, chief of the Task Force, received in its name the medal of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The new Spanish contingent, the 23rd to be sent to Lebanon, is made up of members of the 12th Infantry Brigade “Guadarrama” – the fourth deployment of this unit in the area. The former contingent, made up of members of the 10th Infantry Brigade “Guzmán el Bueno”, leaves the area of operations, south of the Litani River, with the satisfaction of having discharged their duty.

The ceremony ended with a parade of units representing all the Battalions in the Multinational Brigade East, which is led by Spain.

The generals during the relief ceremony (Picture: BRILIB XXIII)