The night in the bunkers of the Spanish troops in Lebanon: “Everyone is fine”

The 650 Spanish soldiers deployed on the border between Lebanon and Israel have spent one of the hardest nights of the last year. As Defense sources have confirmed to EL MUNDO, the soldiers, all from the Army and belonging to the Aragón I Brigade, “They spent the night bunkered, but everyone is fine”.

Spain leads this United Nations peace mission. The maximum person in charge is General Aroldo Lázaro, who since February 2022 has been in charge of the 10,500 troops that are part of the mission, whose objective is to ensure peace in the blue linethe border established by the UN between both countries in 2000. The soldiers are dedicated to patrolling to guarantee security, while the commanders work for the cessation of hostilities and the de-escalation of tension. In charge of the Spanish troops is General García del Barrio, who maintains almost daily telephone contact with the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles.

For several days now, The Spaniards deployed there were dedicated to making the “indispensable” movements in the words of the minister, to carry out their work. Even then they spent a lot of time in bunkers. However, when the Israeli authorities reported the ground incursion, the order was given not to leave the bunkers, where they spent the night, provided with their protective equipment.

This newspaper asked about the possibility of a departure of Spanish troops, a scenario that has been ruled out at the moment. It would be the United Nations who would have to give that order and, as EL MUNDO recalled: “In 2006 we did not leave, for the moment now it is ruled out to do so”.

In its X account, the mission confirms what EL MUNDO consulted and that is that they will remain in their positions. “We have contingency plans ready to be activated if absolutely necessary,” reads the message on the social network. In addition, he assures that “any crossing into Lebanon constitutes a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of resolution 1701.”

What seems increasingly likely is an evacuation of civilians. Around 960 Spaniards live in Lebanon, although there is no specific figure of how many would want to leave the country.. Until last night, consular services asked citizens to use commercial flights. But the only company operating at Beirut airport is Middle East, and tickets are sold out. This newspaper has contacted the Spanish couple who told of their situation last week. Although the Embassy contacts them frequently, they still do not give them solutions.

The Operations Command has all the means ready for the moment an evacuation is authorized. There have been soldiers on the ground and also from Madrid. They are only waiting for the Government’s order to carry it out.