The Senegalese Battalion conducted on July 14, 2016, an airborne insertion exercise from the Battalion to Yamoussoukro airport.

Four helicopters from the Quick Reaction Force or QRF carrying eighty (80) Senegalese peacekeepers participated in that tactical exercise. The overall objective of that maneuver was to reproduce a full-scale rescue scenario by the QRF in a hostile area. The operation was conducted in the strict respect of the rules of engagement of the United Nations and with the primary objective of protecting UNOCI’s field personnel and assets.

The successful implementation of the exercise carried-out in three phases confirmed the capacity of Senegalese battalion to perform this type of operation. The exercise was also an opportunity for UN air units to train on boarding modes, quick landing and ground troops’ deployment. According to military experts of the Mission, it further helped the units achieve a higher level of operational inter-operability in terms of communication, flight zones’ security techniques, as well as protection and escort of UNOCI personnel.

Overall, the exercise was very useful for all participants, according to the Force, as it provided an excellent opportunity to prepare UNOCI units to effectively respond to any kind of emergency, in a hostile environment.