Norwegian troops to Sudan

[sunb!]

Source: Norwaypost.com

Note: Norwegian officials yesterday stated the gouvernment will support UN operations rather than "a coalition of willing nations".

The Government has now decided to send up to 200 Norwegian soldiers to Sudan. The troops will serve under UN command, and will be deployed before the summer.

The Sudan countryside is ravaged by war, hunger and suffering. The task of the Norwegian UN force will be to provide better security in the region.

- The Sudan is a nation which has for decades lived with a civil war which has killed millions of people, and which is now entering a fragile peace process, says Undersecretary of State, Espen Barth Eide.

- I addition comes the conflict in the Darfur Province. There is a high risk tied to serving in such a situation, but we are taking all precautions possible, says Barth Eide.

The around 200 Norwegian soldiers are drawn from the Telemark Batallion, the King's Guard and the Home Guard, according to NRK.

 

[Rabs]

Only 200 troops?

How big is the force?

 

[Redleg]

The mandate authorizes UNMIS to have up to 10,000 military personnel and an appropriate civilian component, including up to 715 civilian police personnel.

http://www.unmis.org/english/en-main.htm

But it doesn't say how many they actually have down there right now..

 

[centurion_ue]

my special thanks to the norwegians (and the canadians).we could really use their help down there.

 

[bulldogg]

Only 200 troops?

How big is the force?

Less than that size force from Executive Outcomes more than handily put down a rebellion of over 2000 strong not that long ago so have faith Rabs. In Africa it is more quality than quantity that matters even more than other places, especially if the forces they face are comprised of child-soldiers.