Bamako, 6 August 2022 (TDI): The UK Armed Forces have deployed 300 UN Peacekeepers as part of a strong Long-Range Reconanssiance Group (LRRG) deployed to Mali on Operation Newcombe. The Peacekeeping Operation aims to contribute toward restoring peace in Mali.
🇲🇱 Meet the Long Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) who are currently on the peacekeeping operation ‘Newcombe’ in Mali.
🇬🇧 The UK Armed Forces have contributed to security operations in Mali since 2013.
🎬 👉 Watch the full episode here: https://t.co/9WimscWuop pic.twitter.com/QIuSayKQii
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) August 6, 2022
Operation Newcombe 2013
Operation Newcombe is the UK-authorized military peacekeeping operation in Mali. It serves as UK’s support to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.
Moreover, it is one of the most dangerous operations conducted by the UN. More than 200 peacekeepers have lost their lives there since the mission began eight years ago, as the country continues to suffer from extremism and poverty.
Initially, the operation took the form of logistical support to French combat forces, provided by the UK Royal Air Force’s Air Movements squadrons. In 2018, the UK Royal Air Force deployed three Chinook (CH-47) helicopters to support French operations there.
In 2020, the Chinooks completed more than 2,000 flying hours and moved over 1,000 tons of equipment.
British Long-Range Reconanssiance Group (LRRG)
The LRRG is in Mali as part of the UN Peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA. The British Long Range Reconnaissance Group comprises specialists from across the Army, including infantry and reconnaissance soldiers. In addition, it also includes drone operators, electronic warfare teams and a high-tech surgical team.
The Defence Secretary of the US, BenWallace, said, “As a permanent member of the UN Security Council this deployment is a demonstration of our firm commitment to peacekeeping and the importance we place on improving security in the Sahel by protecting local communities.”
Moreover, the Secretay said, “Our land forces are the best in the world, and we are one of a small handful of nations able to provide this specialist capability in a challenging environment which will help prevent the spread of conflict across the region.”
Also read: UK at the tenth NPT Review Conference
UN MINUSMA
In April 2013, the United Nations Security Council replaced the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) with the UN MINUSMA.
The UN MINUSMA is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization mission in Mali. Additionally, the mission supports the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilisation of the country.
