Infantry battalion braced for Liberian mission

An infantry battalion bound for service with the United Nations in Liberia will present for inspection today ahead of their departure.

Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea and Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Jim Sreenan were tasked with reviewing the 96th Infantry Battalion which will act as the Quick Reaction Force for the 15,000 strong United Nations Mission in Liberia.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kennedy will lead the 319 soldiers when they are deployed by November 13.

The group, mainly from the fourth Western Brigade, are likely to be the final rotation of Irish troops to the west African country.

The Irish forces, who were first deployed to Liberia in November 2003, will provide back-up and assistance to other troops involved in the mission.

The soldiers will also provide additional security to the Special Court based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, if the situation in the region deteriorates.

The battalion will also be making long range patrols deep into the Liberian interior to deliver humanitarian relief to the local population and maintain a strong UN presence throughout the area of operations.

The Defence Force said the Irish battalions have contributed to the improved political and social situation in the region as part of their work in the UN Peace-Enforcement Force.