UN Mission in Ligeria (16)
VBC Security Contributor William Parker and I continue our embed with 1st Platoon, 26 Royal Victorian Regiment deployed as part of the United Nation International Support Mission in Ligeria (UNISML).
We participated in a presence patrol with 1st Platoon. These patrols are designed to gather intelligence and drive the extremists out. The patrol had to cover a vast area of thousands of miles.
As we were chatting in the LAV, the patrol took small arms fire. The patrol immediately maneuvered to an area where they believed the insurgents were fired from to investigate. The patrol dismounted from the LAVs to search for the insurgents.
As the patrol searched for the insurgents, it found a weapons cache hidden in the bushes.
After the patrol found the weapons cache, it was almost sundown. Lieutenant Hawthorne made the decision to have the patrol remain in the area overnight to observe for any insurgent activities.
As the soldiers set up their tents and cook their meals before sundown, we took the opportunity to speak with Lieutenant Hawthorne.
“We just took small arms fire during our patrol today, is this region getting more dangerous?” asked Parker.
“We are getting reports there are increase in insurgent activities in the region,” said Lt. Hawthorne. “But that’s why we conduct these patrols to gather intelligence and drive the extremists out.”
“Do you think UN peacekeepers are becoming the target here?” asked Parker.
“Our mission here is to keep the peace,” said Lt. Hawthorne. “But if someone’s going to attack us, we’re not going to sit and watch them. We will defend ourselves. If someone is going to attack the locals, our job is to protect them. If protecting them involves using violence, then we will use violence.”
The story continues next week.
Note: The story, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious
UN Mission in Ligeria (16)
VBC Security Contributor William Parker and I continue our embed with 1st Platoon, 26 Royal Victorian Regiment deployed as part of the United Nation International Support Mission in Ligeria (UNISML).
We participated in a presence patrol with 1st Platoon. These patrols are designed to gather intelligence and drive the extremists out. The patrol had to cover a vast area of thousands of miles.
As we were chatting in the LAV, the patrol took small arms fire. The patrol immediately maneuvered to an area where they believed the insurgents were fired from to investigate. The patrol dismounted from the LAVs to search for the insurgents.
As the patrol searched for the insurgents, it found a weapons cache hidden in the bushes.
After the patrol found the weapons cache, it was almost sundown. Lieutenant Hawthorne made the decision to have the patrol remain in the area overnight to observe for any insurgent activities.
As the soldiers set up their tents and cook their meals before sundown, we took the opportunity to speak with Lieutenant Hawthorne.
“We just took small arms fire during our patrol today, is this region getting more dangerous?” asked Parker.
“We are getting reports there are increase in insurgent activities in the region,” said Lt. Hawthorne. “But that’s why we conduct these patrols to gather intelligence and drive the extremists out.”
“Do you think UN peacekeepers are becoming the target here?” asked Parker.
“Our mission here is to keep the peace,” said Lt. Hawthorne. “But if someone’s going to attack us, we’re not going to sit and watch them. We will defend ourselves. If someone is going to attack the locals, our job is to protect them. If protecting them involves using violence, then we will use violence.”
The story continues next week.
Note: The story, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious