Eight months in captivity: Sri Lanka Air Force helps rescue three hostages in Africa The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has successfully supported a high-risk hostage rescue operation in the Central African Republic, securing the release of three civilians who had been held captive for more than eight months. The operation was carried out recently by the SLAF Aviation Unit serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). According to the Sri Lanka Air Force, three Mi-17 helicopters were deployed for the mission, alongside highly trained combat personnel, a specialised negotiation team and an Air Medical Evacuation Team. The operation took place in a challenging security environment, requiring extensive coordination between aviation crews, security personnel, negotiators and medical teams. SLAF said its helicopters conducted more than 18 hours of flying operations in support of the mission, which resulted in the successful release of all three hostages. The Air Force described the operation as a demonstration of courage, professionalism and teamwork by Sri Lankan personnel serving under the United Nations flag. The mission also highlighted the role of Sri Lankan aviation personnel in supporting international peacekeeping operations and protecting civilians in conflict-affected areas. The Sri Lanka Air Force Aviation Unit operates under the UN MINUSCA mission, supporting peacekeeping activities in the Central African Republic through aviation and related operational services. The Air Force has not disclosed the identities or nationalities of the three rescued civilians. The successful operation marks another contribution by Sri Lankan military personnel serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions overseas. (Newswire) The post Sri Lanka Air Force joins high-risk mission to free three hostages in Africa appeared first on Newswire.
