Irish troops set to be part of EU military operation in Chad

AFTER months of frustration and haggling the EU’s military operation in Chad and the Central African Republic will finally be launched, though the operational commander of the Irish contingent Lt Gen Pat Nash has warned there are still gaps.

The troops, including the Irish Army’s elite Ranger wing, will set up camp near the Sudanese border in early March where, Lt Gen Nash says they will be in a good, strong position to carry out their mission.

The EU force of 3,443 soldiers from 14 countries will be trying to protect the estimated 400,000 displaced persons in camps and ensure the safety of those delivering humanitarian aid.