On 28 February 2022, Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz (Spain) took over the command as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, succeeding Major General Stefano Del Col (Italy).
General Lázaro has had a long and distinguished career in the Spanish Army since 1986, when he was commissioned as Lieutenant (Infantry). He has held multiple command positions, from platoon leader to Infantry Brigade Commander.
As a Staff Officer, he served at the Spanish Army Training and Doctrine Command; at the European Rapid Operational Force (EUROFOR) Headquarters in the Italian city of Florence; at the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Spain (HQ NRDC-ESP) Headquarters in Valencia; and as Chief of Staff of the Spanish Army X Mechanized Brigade “Guzmán el Bueno” in Córdoba. As Brigadier General, he was also appointed Commander of this brigade.
His last assignment was as Adviser to the Ministry of Defence for Defence and Security cross-cutting affairs in Madrid.
General Lázaro has extensive international experience, including tours of duty in Bosnia and Herzegovina (United Nations Protection Force - UNPROFOR), NATO Stabilization Force (SFOR) and the European Union Rapid Operational Force (EUFOR). He served three times with UNIFIL, as Sector East Liaison Officer at UNIFIL HQ in 2011, as Chief of Staff of Sector East in 2013 and, as Commander of Sector East in 2016.
His military education includes the Armored Units Command course, the Airborne/Paratroopers Units Command course and the Spanish Army and Joint Staff course. He has academic training in the field of diplomacy, peace and security.
In addition to Spanish, General Lázaro speaks English, French and Italian.
MG Lázaro is married and has a son and a daughter.
