French army launches military operation Sangaris to restore security Central African Republic 071213

French Army launches Sangaris operation in Central African Republic

The Sangaris operation was launched after the UN Council unanimously adopted a resolution December 5, 2013, authorizing the International Support Mission, an African Union (AU) peacekeeping force known by its French acronym MISCA, as well as the deployment of French troops to assist it.

The Sangaris operation is under the command of General Francisco Soriano, the commander of the French forces in Gabon and the “Boali” operation in Central African Republic. He arrived in Bangui December 6, 2013.

The Sangaris operation uses the military forces of Boali operation which is currently reinforced by new French soldiers.

One company of French paratroopers of the 6th (BIMA) Marine Infantry Regiment and three Puma helicopters from the Light Aviation Detachment of French Land forces have arrived in Bangui from Libreville. Currently, 800 soldiers are now in Bangui, and expected to reach a total of 1,200 soldiers in the next few hours. Some armoured vehicles will arrive in Bangui carried by military transport aircraft C-17.

The implementation of this military operation was fast thanks to the French troops prepositioned in Africa, such as the French forces in Gabon and additional forces in the region.

Today, French soldiers continue to secure the airport of M’Poko and the French interests in the country. French troops patrol in the streets of Bangui, and two Rafale fighter aircraft are on the sky of Bangui to support ground forces in case of attacks against French military forces.