Indian Army’s Participation In
UN Peacekeeping Missions
Monthly Update
August 2011
www.usiofindia.org/cunpk.htm
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Published By
Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK)
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Contents
Ser Missions Page No
Missions in Africa
1. UNMISS (United Nation Mission in South Sudan) 04
2. MONUSCO (Democratic Republic of the Congo) 07
3. UNOCI (United Nations Operation in Cote D‟lvoire) 09
Missions in Middle East
4. UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) 10 5. UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) 14
Missions in Asia & Pacific
6. UNMIT (United Nations Integrated Mission In Timor Leste) 19
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UNMISS (United Nation Mission in South Sudan)
General
1. Predominantly the period witnessed Relocation of elements of Force Reserve
Battalion to South Sudan and the participation of troops in Operation Kernow. The
Relocation of troops and cargo from Kadugli and Abyei to Wau/Malakal is in progress
under the aegis of Liquidation Team at Khartoum .Major portion of COE except for
ammunition has been transhipped from Kadugli to Kosti for onward movement to
Wau/Malakal.
Operational Aspects
2. FRC at Wau is equipped to undertake operations in the mission area. C Coy at
Malakal and D Coy at Wau are in the process of being relocated from Kadugli.
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Training
3. The troops are undergoing training aimed at orienting them to the operational
tasks, and preparing them for the forthcoming training validation. The Op Order, Force
Commanders Directives and specific Rules Of Engagement for the new Mission under
Chapter VII as per the new Mandate are yet to be issued.
Visit
4. Maj Gen Abhijeet Guha, DMILAD. Maj Gen A Guha visited the FRC at Juba on 10 Aug 2011. He had also visited FRC Wau on 10 Aug 2011. 5. Force Cdr, Lt Gen Moses Obi. On 16 Aug 2011 Force Cdr, Lt Gen Moses Obi visited INDBATT sector at Malakkal. In his address to the troops a strength of 02 Officers, 02 JCOs and 10 OR of FRC Malakal attended. Maj Gen Moses Obi, appreciated the members of UNMISS for their cooperation for peacekeeping in Sudan.
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Battalion Activities 6. Independence Day Celebrations. The 65th Independence day was celebrated at the Battalion HQ, Wau and Juba locations. An approximate strength of 60 officers/civilian UN personnel attended the ceremony at Wau. The troops at Juba also attended Flag Hoisting at Indian Consulate of South Sudan. 7. Visit of Battalion Commander to FRC Juba and Malakkal. The Force Reserve Battalion Commander, visited FRC locations of Juba and Malakkal from 23 Aug to 27 Aug 11. While at Juba the CO visited the Force HQ to discuss the issues of ongoing operations and Relocation of troops and cargo from Kadugli and Abyei.
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MONUSCO (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
1. INDIAN PEACEKEEPERS BUILD SCHOOL FOR DEAF AND DUMB IN KIWANJA
a. Indian Peacekeepers build school for deaf & dumb in Kiwanja. As a farewell gift to the people of Rutshuru territory in North Kivu Province, the Indian Infantry Battalion based in Kiwanja, some 70 kilometers North of Goma, offered a school block to the deaf and dumb that will serve 250 pupils.
b. The school was, through personal contributions, financed and constructed by the Indian Battalion that will soon be departing the Democratic Republic of Congo after serving their term as peacekeepers in the country. They inaugurated the building on 28 July 2011.
2. THE OPERATION ‘SILENT VALLEY’ IN WALIKALE TERRITORY, NORTH
KIVU: A SUCCESS
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a. A military operation named „Silent Valley‟ launched on 17 August in Goma
by MONUSCO Blue Helmets has ensured within few days the return of several
dozens of displaced persons in their localities of origin, in particular at Mutongo
and Lukweti in Walikale territory, in the North Kivu province.
b. At the heart of displacement of civilians, clashes between cadres from Mai
Mai Tcheka militia and the one of Janvier, who were rivaling the control of that
part of territory long ago controlled by rebels from the Democratic Forces for
Liberation of Rwandan (FDLR).
3. Aid to Civil Society
a. On the morning of 04 Aug the news of a culvert getting damaged was reported at KIBRIZI village in the Area of Responsibility of INDBATT-4. The damaged culvert had stalled all the traffic on the only existing road connecting RWINDI-KIBRIZI-KIRIMA KASHALIRA-NYANZALE. This road is the life line not only of residents but is also the link used extensively by UN agencies and other NGOs to go to NYANZALE. b. The prompt action by INDBATT-4 ensured unhindered movement of agricultural produce, residents and labourers for their daily routine work.
4. OPERATION SILENT VALLEY : HELIBORNE OPERATION IN GENERAL AREA MUTONGO BY NORTH KIVU BRIGADE
a. North Kivu Brigade launched a second Heliborne Operation comprising of troops from HQ North Kivu Brigade and DDRRR representatives, This operation aimed to restore peace through demonstration of its resolve to do all that was possible in its power to ensure protection of civilians.
b. The MONUSCO element interacted with local population and sensitised them of the measures being taken by MONUSCO for bringing back the displaced population in to abandoned villages. It was informed that about 100 people have return to Mutongo from the IDP Camps. This helped build confidence of locals in MONUSCO‟s ability to reach out to fulfill its mandate, regardless of the risks involved.
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UNOCI (United Nations Operation in Cote D’lvoire)
1. On 16 August 2011 United Nations peacekeepers have helped Côte d'Ivoire
repair and renovate the prison in Abidjan, the country‟s biggest city, after it was emptied
in recent post-electoral violence, part of a broader effort to re-establish the rule of law.
2. UNOCI took an active part in the renovations, helping to get the administration
buildings up and running and providing computers and registers as the country recovers
from the violence spawned by former president Laurent Gbagbo‟s abortive effort to stay
in power despite his UN-certified election defeat last November to opposition leader
Alassane Ouattara.
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UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)
General
1. The month witnessed widespread demonstrations in Syria due to political
uncertainty. Political pressure is also brewing up in the region due to the upcoming
Palestinian statehood vote at UN scheduled in Sep 2011. Diplomatic relations between
Turkey and Israel too have been withdrawn in wake of the Gaza aid flotilla raid.
2. INDBATT – XIII has taken extra security measures in view of the impending
indictment of STL (Special Tribunal for Lebanon) and the continuing political uncertainty
in the region. Extensive operational activities were undertaken by INDBATT-XIII to
effectively dominate its AO and ensure the observance of UNSCR-1701.
Political
3. PM Meets UNSCOL, Urges UN to End Israeli Violations. Prime Minister
Najib Mikati expressed fear over the ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty,
last of which was the Wazzani incident, urging the United Nations to demand Israel to
implement UN Security Council resolution 1701. Mikati informed the UN diplomat that
the Cabinet accomplished in cooperation with Parliament a draft law that identifies the
Lebanese maritime borders in order to preserve its rights. The UN will be informed
about it after its publication in the Official Gazette.
4. Syrian Tanks Bombard Hama. The Local Coordination Committees,
which represents the protesters, said that tanks had moved deep into Hama which was
undergoing heavy shelling while plumes of smoke could be seen over the city of
800,000 residents.
5. UN Condemns Violence in Syria. Russia and China have joined other
members of the United Nations Security Council in condemning the Syrian regime for
using military force in suppressing a five-month-old popular uprising. In a statement
endorsed by all 14 members with the exception of Lebanon, the Security Council urged
all sides in the conflict to stop the violence. At the United Nations, the Security Council
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condemned human rights violations and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian
authorities.
6. Renewed Concerns Over Southern Lebanon’s Security. Western
diplomatic sources warned against the seriousness of the security situation in southern
Lebanon. This warning was based on a statement attributed to the United Nations
Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Michael Williams, during a meeting with Prime
Minister Najib Mikati. Predicting the occurrence of incidents inside the Palestinian
refugee camps, the evolving situation in Syria has opened the door in southern Lebanon
to all possibilities, including the possibility of new Palestinian organisations involvement
in the security situation in the South.
7. Blast in Beirut Neighbourhood Kills Two; Circumstances Unclear. Two people were killed when a bomb exploded in the area of Antelias in circumstances that remain unclear amidst conflicting reports on how and why and who was the target. The two were reportedly trying to plant the bomb under the parked vehicle of a Lebanese judge in a parking lot in Antelias when it mistakenly went off. The men were identified as Hassan Nayef Nassar and Ihsan Ali Diya.
8. Turkey Denies Plan to Establish Buffer Zone on Syrian Border. Turkey's
defence minister has said the country did not plan to create a military buffer zone on its
southern border with Syria.
9. FM Mansour : Syria’s Stability Results in Stability in Lebanon. Foreign
Affairs Minister Mansour stressed that Lebanon is concerned with the developments
taking place in Syria, because “Syria‟s stability results in stability in Lebanon.” “Any
repercussions taking place on the Syrian security arena will be reflected on the
Lebanese one," adding that Lebanon is keen on working for the stability and peace of
Syria.
10. Russia, China Boycott Syria Sanction Talks at UN Security Council. Russia and China have boycotted United Nations Security Council talks on a proposal to impose sanctions on Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. Their absence at the talks signalled the tough negotiations ahead on the move to act against Assad's deadly crackdown on opposition protests. Brazil, India and South Africa, non-permanent members of the council, are also believed to have strong reservations about sanctions. Britain, France, Germany, Portugal and the United States - the main backers of the sanctions campaign - hope to sway at least one of the three doubters from the emerging powers. Their draft resolution calls for sanctions against Assad, his entourage and companies that fund the Syrian government and a total arms embargo.
IDF/Israel
11. Israeli Drones to France Call off Rockets Deal with Lebanon. The issue
of terminating the agreement with Lebanon on the provision of anti-tank rocket
launchers is still under debate, after the discovery of new details and backdrops on this
controversial decision.
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12. Sources: Two Israeli Warships Crossed Suez Canal to Eilat. Two Israeli
warships crossed the Canal on their way to the Israeli city of Eilat in the Red Sea.” The
sources added that “the Suez Canal authority took extreme measures when the two
vessels were crossing, whereas it stopped any movement on both banks of the canal as
well as the passage of vehicles on the bridge surmounting it.”
13. Israel Estimates $55 Billion Revenues From Offshore Gas Fields.
For the first time since the completion of studies about the Israeli government‟s profit
from the discovery of Tamar and Levitan gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea, Israel
announced that the state revenues would be $192 billion Shekels (more than 55 billion
dollars). The extraction of gas and oil from the two fields will generate 192.5 billion
Shekels to the treasury of the Jewish State in the expected life span which will end in
the year 2043.
14. Israeli Military Exercises in Shebaa Farms. The Israelis carried out
military exercises. The exercises covered Kfar Shouba Hills, Shebaa Farms, and the
Syrian Golan Heights and stopped. The exercises included artilleries of various calibres
and helicopters. In the morning, the Israelis brought forth several bulldozers to Ghajar-
Abbassiyeh axis at Dheira post and began raising earth mounds and fortifications
alongside the barbed fence facing sector east in south Lebanon. On the Lebanese
side, the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL units observed the works on the other side of the
border.
15. Six Killed, Tens Wounded in Three-Stage Terror Attack Near Eilat. Six
people were killed and dozens were wounded in a series of terrorist attacks on Israeli
targets approximately 20 km north of the southern city of Eilat, close to the border with
Egypt. The first attack, was a drive-by shooting targeting Egged bus 392 traveling from
Be'er Sheva to Eilat, near the Netafim junction. Ten passengers on board the bus
sustained light to moderate wounds. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) rushed to the scene
and were faced with several explosive devices that were detonated alongside an IDF
vehicle. Simultaneously, an anti-tank missile was fired from Egypt on a private vehicle,
and several mortar shells were also fired into Israel.
16. The Golan Wall. The Israeli forces are building a security wall in occupied
Golan Heights and are doubling the landmines in the area after exploiting the protests
during Nakba and Naksa days. Israeli sources said that the Israeli government has
almost completed the establishment of the wall in that area in an attempt to thwart any
violation of the separation line with the upcoming announcement of the Palestinian
State at the United Nations in September.
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INDBATT ACTIVITIES
Meetings and Visits
17. Spanish Armed Forces Delegation (BRILIB XV) Visit to INDBATT AO. A
delegation consisting of 39 Offr‟s lead by Brig. Gen Fernando Guiterraz visited UNP
4-7C on 08 Aug 11. The delegation was a preliminary recce group of the Brigade due to
replace the existing motorized Spanish Brigade in SECEAST in Sep 2011.
18. Liaison Meeting at Halta. The company Commander UNP 4-34 &,
INDBATT S5 team, G9 staff and CA staff from the SECEAST along with Mr John (LA)
met with the Mayor of Kaferchouba and Point of Contact of Halta. The proposed QIP of
Halta, Water Reservoir was discussed by the gathering. A visit to the Project site was
also accomplished. The Mayor has said that he would make a tentative plan of the
project and forward the same to INDBATT along with the likely cost estimate.
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UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force)
General
1. During the month of Aug, the LOGBATT was involved in winding up the rotation
activities and prep to welcome the 11th rotation. The Independence Day celebration
was centre of attraction during this month.
2. The pol sit in the region also changed very rapidly as the international pressure
on Syria increased with a call for the President Assad to step down. The overall sit in
Israel also remained a matter of concern with large scale protests with in the country
regarding the high cost of living. The country also witnessed an increasing number of
terrorist attacks.
Political Situation in Middle East
3. The political situation in Middle East is deteriorating day by day. The apparent fall
of Tripoli and the end of the four decade old regime will definitely give a boost to the
ongoing protests in Syria. The region remained the main focus of the international
community and a major cause of concern because of the alleged human rights
violations by the Syrian Govt. The proposed discussions on the recognition of Palestine
in the UN Security Council in September are likely to have an adverse effect on the sit
in Israel.
Syria
4. Thousands of Syrians took to the streets across the country calling for the
downfall of President Assad keeping up the pressure on him one day after an alliance of
nations led by the United States publicly called on him for the first time to step down and
toughened the sanctions against his govt.
5. In a campaign coordination with European leaders, President Obama made the
United States govt‟s first explicit call for President Assad to leave office. Mr Obama also
announced powerful sanctions freezing all Syrian assets within American jurisdiction
and barring American citizens from any business dealings with the govt in Damascus. A
jt statement from Germany, France, Britain and European Union‟s foreign policy chief
said, President Assad has lost legitimacy as a leader and must step down.
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Anti Govt Protests in Syria
6. Despite international calls for restraint, Syria's govt pressed ahead with mil
assaults on restive locales in northern and eastern Syria, killing at least 35 people on 10
Aug.
7. Syria's fragmented opposition took steps toward forming a national council on
23 August, but serious divisions and mistrust among the members prevented them from
presenting a unified front against President Assad's regime.
8. The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) has launched a new commission of inquiry
into Syria's crackdown on anti-govt protesters, including possible crimes against
humanity. The rights activists claimed that more than 2000 persons had been killed
during the past six months. By 33 votes in favour and four against and nine abstentions,
the HRC passed a resolution to "urgently dispatch an independent international
commission of inquiry, to investigate violations of international human rights law in Syria
since July 2011.
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Israel
9. Eight Israelis were killed and more than 30 were wounded in the attacks near the
tourist town of Eilat.
10. Israelis are increasingly worried about terror attacks from Sinai. The area is
quickly becoming the kind of ungoverned space that provides terrorists with their
greatest opportunities. Egypt has for decades engaged in “reckless neglect of the
Sinai.” A fence has long been planned to stop illegal immigration, but now it will need to
be built faster and to be longer and stronger.
11. Apart from external threats, Israel also witnessed wide protests internally where
thousands of Israelies continued to occupy “tent cities” to show their resentment against
the high cost of living in the country. The popular protests has compelled the govt to
consider economic reforms as the statistics showed that Israel was the costliest even
among the developed countries.
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Training
12. Demo on Fire Fighting Trg. Fire Fighting Demo for new comers was conducted
by smokey team of LOGBATT. The demo was followed by trg capsule for the new
members.
13. Driver Training. Training for drivers of the new Rotation was conducted as part
of the Indian Training Schedule. The training was followed by a drivers test conducted
by the Force HQ.
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Imp Events
14. Independence Day Celebration. INDCON celebrated 65th Independence Day
in Camp Ziouani (CZ) on 15th and 16th Aug 2011. Force Cdr along with COs of
PHILBATT, AUSBATT, HRVCON, JCON, GILO and Civ, members of Indian Embassy
witnessed this event. All guests were given a tour of Incredible India during a very
comprehensive presentation on Indian culture and heritage by INDCON offrs.
15. Three Nation Joint Cultural Function. The three contingent stationed in camp
Ziouani joined together to host a cultural extravaganza for the UN members. The unique
event had a true multinational fervour wherein mixed teams from INDCON, PHILBATT
and JCON participated and presented folk dance and music.
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UNMIT (United Nations Integrated Mission In Timor Leste)
UNPOL Officer Shazadi Gulfam (left) with Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro (centre) and UN Police
Adviser Ann-Marie Orler
1. Police officer Shahzadi Gulfam tackles difficult policing challenges with
determination and a smile. In the process, she has made the communities in her charge
safer places to live. Ms. Gulfam, currently a United Nations Police (UNPOL) Team
Leader with the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), is this year‟s recipient
of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award. On 23 August 2011, Granted by
the UN and the International Association of Women Police (IAWP), the award went to
Ms. Gulfam for her work to protect vulnerable people in several countries.