The 10th 'Guzmán el Bueno' takes over from the 6th 'Almogávares'.

The 10th Mechanized Infantry Brigade “Guzmán el Bueno” has taken over from the 6th “Almogávares” Airborne Brigade (Spain’s Paratroopers) on the Command of the Eastern Sector of the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon). The authority act of transfer took place on Nov. 21st at the Spanish “Miguel de Cervantes” base in Marjayoun, Lebanon.

The event consisted in a formation with representation of the UN Brigade´s nations (Indonesia, India, Nepal, Fiyi, El Salvador, Serbia and Brazil, and Spain). In this event, the incoming and outgoing Chiefs have taken over −General Pérez de Aguado and General Lázaro− under the chair of the UNIFIL´s Commander, General Michael Beary. Ambassador of Spain to Lebanon, Milagros Hernando Echevarría, was also there along with UN and Lebanon civilian and military authorities.

During the farewell, General Pérez de Aguado thanked the cooperation and support received from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). He stressed the collaboration of the nations taken part in the UNIFIL; whereas, General Lázaro stressed his commitment to cooperate with the LAF in the effort to bring stability to the region complying with the UN mandate. General Bear, for his part, stressed the work done by the Spanish troops with the following words: “The United Nations Security Council must be grateful of the quality of the units that Spain contributes, of the commitment with the mission with the UNIFIL and with the people of the South of Lebanon. Since the adoption of the resolution 1701, Spain has played an essential role within UNIFIL; contributing with its troops and leading one of the sectors.”

The relay ended with the arrival on that same day of the 3rd personnel (coming from Córdoba) rotation at the Miguel de Cervantes Spanish base. The last members of the 25th Brigade-Lebanon went back to Madrid, Spain.