General Nicola Zanelli, dead at 62, was a central figure of the Italian Special Forces, participating in numerous international missions.

We bid adieu to General of the Army Corps Nicola Zanelli, who has passed away at the age of 62. A few months prior, the discovery of the disease was reported in the Resto del Carlino, and yesterday, we learnt of the death at the Hospice of Montericco in Reggio Emilia.

Born in the Reggio Apennines, he emerged as a pivotal figure within the Italian Special Forces, engaging in a multitude of international missions.

In 1993, he led a company of the 187th Regiment ‘Folgore’ in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope, as detailed on the website infodifesa.it. He found himself engaged in the skirmish at Check Point Pasta, in Mogadishu.

He later worked in Iraq, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Iceland. Between 2020 and 2021, he served as the deputy commander of the NATO mission ‘Resolute Support’ in Afghanistan, during a particularly sensitive period of the conflict.

General Nicola Zanelli, aged 61, a military strategist hailing from the Reggio Emilia Apennines, has passed away. He was known for his commitment to peace, having participated in and directed missions across the globe. In October of last year, he received a diagnosis of an incurable illness. “My husband confronted the illness with remarkable bravery and unwavering faith,” remarked his wife, Romana. “He was the individual who instilled courage in the family members who came to see him in the hospital, consistently bolstered by profound faith; he remained composed, fully aware that his time was drawing to a close.”

Zanelli, hailing from Castelnovo ne’ Monti in 1963, served as the Commander of the esteemed 9th Paratrooper Assault Regiment “Col Moschin”. In 1993, he took part in the mission in Somalia; in 2003, he was involved in the operation in Iraq; and from 2020 to 2021, he served as the deputy commander of the NATO operation “Resolute Support” in Afghanistan.

The general sadly passed away yesterday at the Hospice in Montericco, Reggio Emilia, following a diagnosis of a serious illness in recent months. Numerous tributes have emerged on social media, with many recalling him fondly through the phrase “Blue skies, Commander!”, a heartfelt salutation employed by paratroopers to honour a fallen comrade.

“General Zanelli, a distinguished officer, dedicated himself to Italy with unwavering commitment, discipline, and a remarkable sense of duty, leaving a lasting impression on the Armed Forces, the special forces, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.” We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, colleagues, and all who held him dear. Respect to the General. Amidst the unyielding deluge, his troops stood resolutely, as if safeguarding the sorrows of those lost – the Italian Army Special Forces Command conveyed on its Facebook page.

In 2014, a significant milestone was reached with the establishment of the Army Special Forces Command. At the helm, we have General Inc. Nicola Zanelli: the inaugural commander, the visionary architect, and the very essence of our emblem. We pay tribute to him, expressing our heartfelt appreciation for his enduring legacy. A man, a soldier, a father, a paragon of virtue. Clear azure heavens, “Nik”.