28 missions in 19 countries for a total of 13.800 military personnel: 6.750 in international operations - between Africa, Asia and Europe - and 7.050 in national ones, “Safe Roads" primarily. Numbers and places that make Italy a heavily engaged country: this is what emerged from the videoconference with the operational theaters held at the Interforce Operations Operational Command (COI) by the Defense Minister, Roberta Pinotti, and by the Chief of Defense Staff, general Claudio Graziano.
Operational theaters where, although there are severe problems, excellent results are not lacking, such as those achieved in the context of “Resolute Support"In Afghanistan, where Italy is present with about 950 units: 50 in Kabul and 900 in Herat. Here the effort of the Armed Forces and of local police allowed to conquer 68% of the territory (10% is still of domination of the Taliban), to train local personnel and, although there are reasons of concern such as corruption and drugs , to improve the living conditions of the population: 40% are educated, 11% use the Internet, 65% use mobile phones, infant mortality has fallen to 13%, before it was 26, the female component is present in 69 parliamentary seats and 4 women hold 4 ministries.
From Afghanistan to Lebanon where Italy is present with a contingent of 1.100 soldiers in the mission "UNIFIL". Among the tasks to ensure assistance to the Lebanese population, support the local armed forces, control the Blue Line - the armistice separation line between Israel and Lebanon - and develop projects for the weaker sections of the population. Also in Asia, 1.400 soldiers are engaged in Iraq in the Operation "First Parthica”, The most numerous mission for the contrast of Daesh where, in addition to reconnaissance, surveillance and training activities, Italy provides operational personnel recovery capacity and guarantees safety to the staff of the company in charge of the Mosul dam rehabilitation works.
Several operating theaters also in Africa: in Djibouti, in Mali, in Egypt, in Somalia and in Libya with the recent "Operation Hippocrates”, Founded with the aim of providing health assistance to Libyan forces engaged in combating the presence of Daesh by setting up a hospital to support the Misurata civil hospital.
"A big commitment for our Armed Forces - Minister Pinotti declared - both at home and abroad, consistent and significant. In the many missions our soldiers are doing an excellent job. The international compliments come from all our allies and from the authorities of the countries in which we operate. A job of so many years that has led to having Armed Forces of great professionalism ".
Moving to Europe, Italy's presence in Kosovo continues with the mission "KFOR", The longest-lived of the NATO missions, and the two operations in the Central Mediterranean:"EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia"and "Safe Sea". Important operations, in close collaboration with each other as well as with NATO forces, which play an active role in the presence and surveillance of water, maritime security with regard to oil platforms and fishing fleets and aid to migrants. In the first operation, in which 25 European nations actively participate, Italy is present with Nave Garibaldi and Nave San Giorgio. Although the migratory flow has increased by 9% compared to the same period in 2015, the activity of the Libyan coastguard has also increased. 99 suspected traffickers stopped from the beginning of the operation and 337 boats stolen, about 23.000 human lives saved. To monitor the Libyan coasts "Safe Sea”Which today sees 5 naval units deployed: Nave Mimbelli, Fasan, Bersagliere, Corsini and Bettica, for a total of 762 men and women of crew.
In Italy, the Armed Forces are involved in the operation "Safe Roads"And, at this moment, in support of the populations of central Italy, hit by the earthquakes of 24 August and 30 October, with 1.239 units, units that are destined to grow, as announced by the minister himself. "The Italian Armed Forces - concluded General Graziano - they have reached a very high level of preparation, professionalism and ability and are certainly among the best in the world in terms of staff quality and ability to intervene".
(photo: SMD)
