The British Army’s high-readiness paratroopers are preparing to serve on a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. Troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade are due to travel to the country, as part of the Defence Secretary’s promise to add 100 extra UK personnel to the mission.
Michael Fallon met members of 16 Air Assault Brigade during a visit to Merville Barracks at Colchester Garrison, who will join 300 UK personnel already in central Africa. When all of the troops have arrived, the deployment will more than double the UK’s global peacekeeping efforts.
Image shows Defence Secretary visiting the specialist field hospital and meeting troops prior to the South Sudan deployment
All images remain crown copyright.
Photo credit – Cpl Georgina Coupe
The troops will travel to South Sudan with a squash-court sized specialist field hospital which can be dropped by parachute and used for emergency surgery.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “Britain is committed to tackling the instability that leads to mass migration and terrorism. This deployment shows how Britain is stepping up its global commitments – in the interests of humanity but also because it makes Britain and the world a safer place.
Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, Brigadier Colin Weir said: “British Airborne Forces possess unique qualities. Elements of our Brigade are at very high readiness here in case of a global crisis, we’re preparing for deployments with the UN to South Sudan, we’re deployed on operations in Kabul, and we are engaged with allies in the Middle East to help develop their capabilities in the face of the Daesh threat.”
Images: © Crown Copyright
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16 Air Assault Brigade Michael Fallon peacekeeping South Sudan UN
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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