15 April 2021

British peacekeepers complete first long-range patrol in Mali

by Jeremy Binnie

The Long Range Recce Group (LRRG) the United Kingdom has contributed to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has completed an initial patrol lasting 28 days, the British Army stated on 7 April.

British soldiers from the LRRG on patrol in a Jackal 2 vehicle. (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali)

Made up of elements of the Royal Anglian Regiment and Light Dragoons, the patrol was aimed at enhancing security along the main supply route from Gao to Ansongo, about 85 km to the southeast, and involved the LRRG covering 1,500 km and visiting 60 villages.

“The off-road manoeuvrability of the Light Dragoons’ Jackal 2 and Coyote vehicles enabled the task group to probe deep over incredibly challenging terrain in 40 degree heat to engage with the local population in remote areas not previously reached by security forces, while the Foxhounds of the 2 Company Royal Anglian were used in the large population centres on the main supply route,” the army said.

It cited Lieutenant Colonel Tom Robinson, the commander of the Light Dragoons, as saying the patrol led to a “significant reduction in violence against locals and prevented the terrorist groups from moving and acting with impunity”.

In a video released by MINUSMA on the same day, Major Jamie Powell, the commander of B Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment, said some villagers they encountered were too scared to talk to the British peacekeepers, while others were happy to see them and asked “if we can stay in the area forever to continue to provide security”.

The Long Range Recce Group (LRRG) the United Kingdom has contributed to the UN Multidimensional Inte...

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