Italian Battalion Commander Carlo Departs After Nearly Two Decades in South Lebanon

A farewell ceremony was held at the al-Mansouri base at the invitation of outgoing Italian battalion commander Colonel Luigi Carlo. In attendance were Engineer Hassan Debouq, President of the Union of Municipalities of Tyre District, and the mayors of all 19 municipalities falling under the battalion’s operational area. The event marked the conclusion of Colonel Carlo’s mission and introduced his successor, Colonel Leonardo Corina.

At the outset of the gathering, Colonel Carlo expressed gratitude to the Union of Municipalities of Tyre District and to the municipal presidents for their presence. He commended “the continuous cooperation and communication between the battalion and the municipalities and local community, which remained uninterrupted despite the difficult circumstances the region experienced.”

Two decades of Italian military engagement

Engineer Hassan Debouq, on behalf of the Union of Municipalities of Tyre District and the municipal presidents, thanked the Italian battalion and the Italian government for “their active and supportive role toward the local community over nearly twenty years.” He underscored appreciation for “the sacrifices made by battalion personnel and their steadfast presence alongside residents and municipalities under all conditions,” and extended best wishes for “a safe return journey” for Colonel Carlo and all battalion members.

New commander’s prior service in Lebanon

Colonel Leonardo Corina, the incoming battalion commander, stated he was “pleased to return once again to Lebanon,” noting he “had previously served there in 2006.” He affirmed his commitment to “maintaining ongoing communication and cooperation with the municipalities and local community, and providing support within available capabilities and resources.”

The ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photograph featuring the departing battalion commander, the newly appointed commander, the President of the Union of Municipalities of Tyre District, and the attending municipal presidents.