Defence Forces News
21 February 2008
Army Ranger Wing Arrive in Chad
At 10.45 this morning 54 members of the Army Ranger Wing of the Defence Forces arrived in the Chad capital N'Djamena constituting the first main grouping of Irish troops deploying to the EUfor mission in the region. A logistical operation to transport vehicles and equipment by air into the mission area via Antinov heavy-lift aircraft will begin on Saturday and continue over the subsequent three to four days.
On the arrival of their kit and equipment the Rangers will undertake a 900km journey east across Chad's arid interior to their operational base in Abeche. They will be working in tandem with other EUfor special forces and will focus immediately on identifying suitable base camp locations for the main body of Irish forces who are due to arrive over the next weeks and months. The Rangers will also assess the various threats that exist on the ground and their presence will begin the process of creating a safe and secure environment for the 400,000 refugees and internally displaced persons along the Darfur border who remain the absolute focus of this mission.