Task Force Aquila is the largest task force in the MNB (SW) area of responsibility. This Task Force is under command of COL Donato Federici (IT Army). One part of Task Force Aquila is the 2nd Battle Group in Decani under command of LTC Fulvio Poli (IT Army).

Soldiers of the armored Brigade "Ariete" are posted in Camp Sparta, where the Battle Group is located. Camp Sparta is very close to the Monastery of Visoki.

The main task there is to protect this monastery. Other tasks of the Battle Group are vehicle and foot patrols, checkpoints, searches and CIMIC projects.

This humanitarian aid is important to the relationship between battle group soldiers and the population of Decani.

"It's not only during the CIMIC projects that my soldiers and I have contact with the population of Decani. We always try to maintain good contact with the people. We explain what we are doing and the people are very interested in our activities. This is very important for our relationship," said LTC Fulvi Poli, battle group commander.

The Monastery of Visoki has an ancient history. It was founded in 1327 under the reign of King Stefan of Serbia. This monastery is the center of gravity for Serbian orthodox culture. In the last centuries it has been destroyed and reconstructed several times. During the communist regime much of the land was confiscated. In 1999 the monks of Visoki Monastery gave assistance to refugees of all ethnic groups.

"To protect this monastery is an important function in Kosovo. The Monastery of Visoki is on the UNESCO World Heritage List," said an Italian soldier responsible to protect the monastery. "This important building is a pleasure to protect, and our relationship with the monks is a very friendly one. We know all of them and they are happy that we are here."