Sri Lankan Air Force completes high-risk UN rescue mission in CAR

A Sri Lankan Air Force contingent attached to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic successfully concluded a critical life-saving casualty evacuation mission under extreme threat.

This humanitarian operation, conducted on 30 June, marks the first instance in United Nations peacekeeping aviation history where 14 casualties were successfully rescued during a single emergency mission.

The incident occurred after an unidentified armed group launched a fierce attack on Zambian soldiers conducting peacekeeping patrols in the Am Dafok region of the Central African Republic.

The assault resulted in injuries to Zambian troops, civilians, and local security personnel.

Due to the severity of the situation, an initial attempt to deploy a Pakistani Air Force helicopter failed because of adverse weather conditions.

Consequently, the Force Commander immediately tasked the Sri Lankan Air Force with the mission.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Sri Lankan contingent commander, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage, and his staff launched the operation despite the challenging weather.

Flying an Mi-17 helicopter, designated UNO 325P, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage and co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Dilhash Atapattu departed from Bria airport at 07:30 that morning.

The heroic crew included Flight Sergeant Hettiarachchi, Loadmaster Flight Sergeant Manoj, air gunners Corporal Wijetunga and Leading Aircraftman Abesinghe, and the Aeromedical Evacuation Team consisting of Flight Lieutenant Yadeesha Rathnasiri, Warrant Officer D.M. Sumathipala, and Flight Sergeant K.P.D. Ruwankumara.

As the situation in the conflict zone deteriorated rapidly, the pilots received orders from the Force Commander to fly directly into the battle zone.

After two hours and ten minutes of continuous flight, the aircraft reached the highly dangerous conflict area where enemy fire was ongoing.

Landing proved hazardous, yet the Sri Lankan pilots prioritised the mission over personal safety. With the helicopter engines running, the crew boarded 14 casualties within a very short duration before departing the area immediately.

The United Nations Force Commander commended the Sri Lankan Air Force personnel for their unparalleled bravery and professional expertise. This achievement confirms the credibility and reputation of the Sri Lankan armed forces on the international stage.