UN Peacekeepers in the Congo

[sgtgunn]

Things seem to be heating up in the DRC. The UN is moving more troops into North Kivu and has given them the green light to use force to prevent the rebelsfrom entering the city of Gorma. According to the MONUC website (Mission des Nations Unies en République Démocratique du Congo) there is currently a brigade of Indian Army soldiers (3 battalions) in the North Kivu province. Does anyone know anything about the make up / TO&E of the Indian forces? Are the just light infantry with small arms or do they have any AFVs, artillery, etc.? The website indicated there was an aviation component in Congo comprised of Indian & Bangladeshi forces with 8 attack helos, but no indiciation on the type (i'm guessing Mi-24/35s?).

Interestingly there is a Pakistani Brigade in South Kivu. I wonder how they and the Indians are getting along (if at all)!

Thx,

Adrian

 

[kato]

Last year the Indian aviation elements consisted of 12 helicopters, mixed Mi-35 and Mi-17, deployed by the IAF and 4 Cheetah helos from the Army. The current mix is presumably similar, rotations are usually one-for-one.

Afaik the ground contingent consists of three light infantry battalions with around 850 men each - each with some APCs/IFVs, mortars, but mostly jeeps, trucks and small arms. However last month, a contingent from 169th FD Rgt (light artillery) was also assigned to the brigade.

 

[drg]

Gurkhas from the 3/3rd Regiment are going over now.

 

[Type59]

Angolan troops have been deployed and are fighting.

 

[SABRE]

Interestingly there is a Pakistani Brigade in South Kivu. I wonder how they and the Indians are getting along (if at all)!

Thx,

Adrian

They usually get along with each other while serving for UN. They also happen to befriend each other while they are on Indo-Pak borders (not on the very sensitive sides of the borders). Exchange of sweets between the commanders on the border has also become a sort of a tradition.

In past Indian Army Aviation (or may be it was IAF) served along with Pakistan Army for the UN in Africa.

During war time or conflict its of course a different story. & on the whole military establishment level resentment is deeply rooted on both sides.