Lebanon: Italian-led Military Technical Commitee starts its first operational and training activities

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Italian-led Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L) started its first operational activities and training courses for Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at the training hub of LAF 8th Brigade. These activities are part of broader capacity-building initiatives, marking a significant milestone in an institutional process led by Italy since last March.

One of the primary tasks of MTC4L, as multilateral technical coordination body led by Italy, is improving Lebanon Armed Forces’s mobility and capacity, through basic and advanced infantry courses for new recruits and for units with low operational readiness, as well as the continuation of all ongoing training, established by existing bilateral and multilateral agreements.

MTC4L currently consists of 8 partner nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Nederlands, United Kingdom, Spain and U.S.A.) and has two main objectives: restoring the security conditions that have deteriorated recently in southern Lebanon through the support to Lebanese Armed Forces, and facilitating the return of displaced people.

Fabrizio Marcelli – Italian Ambassador in Beirut –, Major General Diodato Abagnara – Military Technical Committee Commander – and the Military attachés of the involved countries attended the inaugural event.

During the event, they also presented the new logistics hub, which will be used by Italian military instructors for training activities.

Finally, a cargo ship docked at the port of Beirut, delivering approximately 10 tons of essential goods. Thanks to the solidarity of several Italian donors, the shipment included medicines, medical equipment and food supplies, intended for local population and Lebanese Armed Forces.

These donations are consistent with the aim of MTC4L, which, in addition to supporting the training and redeployment of LAF south of the Litani River, also focuses on aiding the local population. This support is crucial to foster renewed confidence in Lebanese Armed Forces.

Italy’s commitment in the Middle East reflects the ongoing efforts of thousands of Italian soldiers who have been serving in Lebanon for years, as part of a context where peace is a fundamental value for the coexistence of nations.

MTC4L reports to the Italian Joint Operations Command (COVI), following the directives of the Chief of Defence. This Command exercises the coordination and direction of all operational, training and humanitarian activities of the Italian Armed Forces in Lebanon, including UNIFIL and MIBIL (Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Beirut).

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