FROM UN RESOLUTION 794 TO THE BATTLE OF CHECK POINT PASTA (Panel 4)

The Italian intervention

Since August 1992, the Government and Parliament have been following the humanitarian and political crisis in Somalia. In December 1992, between 9th and 10th, the Government and Parliament decided to send a contingent to Somalia and Mozambique. Operation IBIS began. The choice was guided by humanitarian ends: the Italian military would participate in relief operations for the population, re-establish a democratic system and strengthen the role of the UN.

ITALFOR – IBIS I

The Italian mission (IBIS I) began on December 10th 1992. The Italian contingent (ITALFOR), structured at divisional level and commanded by Division General Giampiero Rossi, deployed 2,600 soldiers, 800 armoured vehicles and soft vehicles and 16 helicopters. On December 11th, the NAC of the "FOLGORE" departed from Pisa airport, followed, by sea and by air, by the rest of the contingent. The transfer of ITALFOR was completed on January 5th 1993. ITALFOR deployed between Mogadishu, Balad, Gialalassi and Via Imperiale where it set up 6 Check Points (“Obelisco”, “Banca”, “Demonio”, “Nazionale”, “Ferro”, "Pasta").

The Italian contingent carried out operational and humanitarian interventions. Furthermore, the Carabinieri began training the new Somali police.

ITALFOR – IBIS I ended on May 4th 1993 when General D. Giampiero Rossi handedover the command to Gen. B. Bruno Loi.