Irish troops in chopper op to deter Chad gangs
Wednesday August 13 2008
A major Irish-led helicopter operation to deter armed gangs near the volatile Chad/Sudan border was underway today.
The Irish 97th Infantry Battalion based at Goz Beida in eastern Chad has been allocated three helicopters -- two of them hired by the Irish government -- the Herald revealed last week.
The wet season in Chad has severely limited ground movement by all sides and the choppers are seen as vital for the EUFOR force to fulfil its mission.
Today, more than 100 Irish troops were involved in the operation towards the Sudan border, which is due to last several days.
A total of seven helicopters, Russian built Mil Mi-8 "Hips" and French Pumas, ferried more than 250 EUFOR troops from the Irish base at Camp Ciara towards the border.
Irish Lt Col Patrick McDaniel is commanding the operation, which also involves French, Dutch, Polish, Austrian and Ukrainian soldiers.
The choppers carried out 32 "sorties" to five locations along the Wadi Azoum yesterday, starting at 6.30am, from Camp Ciara.
"This Irish-led multinational operation will operate over a 50km area, up to 80km from Camp Ciara, and will be supported by helicopters throughout," a Defence Forces spokesman said.
"The troops will maintain a presence each night close to villages, making contact with village leaders and NGOs working in the area."
In each village troops were handing out literature explaining the role of EUFOR.
The Irish Government leased two Russian Mil-8s to give the Irish troops more mobility.
"Throughout the area Irish and EUFOR troops have been well received," the Defence Forces spokesman said.
- Michael Lavery
