Russian peacekeepers to be in Sudan next April

Feb 15, 2006 (MOSCOW) — The deployment of Russian soldiers as part of the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Sudan will begin in April, Russian Air Force spokesman Col Aleksandr Drobyshevskiy told Interfax-Military News Agency on Wednesday.

“Final preparations are under way for the airlift of an air group to Sudan, which will begin no later than on 20 April,” he said.

Up to 200 soldiers, four Mi-8 transport and combat helicopters and 15 vehicles will be sent to Sudan. “An-124 Ruslan, An-22 Antei and Il-76 planes will make over 40 flights to airlift the personnel, hardware and 200 tonnes of various cargoes,” Drobyshevskiy noted.

According to him, personnel selection is complete, and preparation of helicopters for the airlift aboard military transport planes is nearing completion.

“The best specialists, including pilots, engineers, technicians and medics will be sent to Sudan,” he said.

(ST)