Spain recognizes the international work of Lieutenant General Lázaro with the Gran Cruz al Mérito Militar (Military Merit Cross)

The Council of Ministers has approved the award of the Grand Cross of Military Merit with blue badge to Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, who recently concluded his mandate at the head of the United Nations mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL). For three and a half years, Lazaro led 10,000 blue helmets in one of the most sensitive areas of the world, on the border between Lebanon and Israel.

Recognition of an exemplary career

On June 24, Aroldo Lázaro took over as head of mission and commander of UNIFIL, a task he performed with "impeccable dedication and professionalism", according to the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles. The Minister also praised the dedication of all the deployed soldiers, highlighting their commitment in particularly difficult times.

An expert in peace missions

The lieutenant general's career is marked by his deep knowledge of the area, accumulated after three previous deployments to Lebanon, where he was also chief general of Sector East. His experience includes key assignments such as the High Readiness Multinational Ground Headquarters in Valencia, the command of the Mechanized Brigade 'Guzmán el Bueno' and the command of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment 'La Reina' in Cordoba.

In addition to Lebanon, Lazaro has participated three times in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under UN, NATO and European Union command.

Spanish participation in UNIFIL

Spain has been participating in the UNIFIL mission since 2006, following a direct request from the United Nations. Since then, it has assumed the leadership of the complex Sector East, coordinating troops from countries such as Serbia, Brazil or El Salvador. The mission aims to guarantee peace, provide humanitarian aid and support the Lebanese Armed Forces in the south of the country.

Source: https://www.defensa.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2025/07/DGC-250701-gran-cruz-aroldo-lazaro.html