21/11/2007

Africian Mission For Army

Irish soldiers are going to to be serving in Africa soon.

The first group of soldiers taking part in a UN peacekeeping mission in Chad are being deployed next month following Cabinet approval for the move.

Up to 70 soldiers, including members of the elite Ranger wing, as well as logistics and communications specialists, will join UN forces already on the ground in the east of the country.

They will form part of an "initial entry force" that will facilitate the arrival of more Irish troops at a later date.

A total of 400 Irish soldiers are due to take part in the mission, which is to be formally approved by the Dáil next week.

(BMcC)

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