Lebanon: Portolano visits the Sassari Brigade: "It's an essential garrison against violations of the UN resolution."

Chief of the Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolano, visited Lebanon, at the UNIFIL contingent base led by the Sassari Brigade.

After constructive discussions with the Lebanese Defense authorities (the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Haykal , and the Minister of Defense, General Menassa) and with the President of the Lebanese Republic, Joseph Aoun, Portolano – former commander of the Dimonios – met with personnel from the UN contingents.

"The situation in Lebanon is marked by high tension and a real risk of escalation," said the Chief of Staff. "The growing instability requires constant monitoring and a posture marked by the utmost caution."

Despite the complexity of the current operational context, characterized by attacks by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah, he added, "I have been able to observe how all personnel continue to carry out their assigned tasks with determination, professionalism, and a high sense of responsibility."
According to Portolano, UNIFIL "remains an essential garrison in the south of the country for the impartial monitoring of violations – by both sides – of Resolution 1701."

The Italian armed forces will continue to work "in compliance with the UN mandate and the commitments undertaken internationally, to support Lebanon today and in the future."

Enrico Fresu