Evacuation of U.N. Troops and Civilian Staff from Somalia Underway

Strategic Insights -

LONDON - Warships from several nations have headed toward Somalia's coast to prepare for the evacuation of U.N. peacekeeping troops and civilian staff, diplomats said. The evacuation, expected to involve at least 18 ships from the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Malaysia, and Pakistan, has been a long time coming, with the U.S. Navy's Indian Ocean force leading the operation. The departure of the U.N. troops leaves the ground open to Somalia's warlord, Mohammed Farah Aideed, and his gangs, which have been responsible for widespread looting and theft of U.N. and other property.

Key Takeaways:

  • The evacuation of U.N. peacekeeping troops and civilian staff from Somalia is underway, with at least 18 ships from various nations participating.
  • The U.S. Navy's Indian Ocean force is leading the operation, which is expected to involve the transfer of troops and staff from Mogadishu airport to warships in the Indian Ocean.
  • The departure of U.N. troops is likely to leave the ground open to Mohammed Farah Aideed's gangs, which have been responsible for widespread looting and theft of property.
  • Pakistan has approximately 7,000 troops in Somalia and will be the last troops to leave, according to a Pakistani military spokesman.
  • The evacuation is coming nearly two years after the U.S. began the peacekeeping mission in Somalia, which was aimed at restoring order to the country.
  • The conflict in Somalia has resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 Somalis and tens of thousands more in a famine that followed the conflict.

Statistics:

  • 18 ships from the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Malaysia, and Pakistan are participating in the evacuation.
  • 7,000 Pakistani troops are stationed in Somalia.
  • 8,000 U.N. peacekeepers from 12 nations are in Somalia.
  • Over 30,000 Somalis have been killed in the conflict.
  • Tens of thousands more Somalis have died in a famine that followed the conflict.

Sources:

  • "LONDON, Feb. 2," The New York Times, February 3, 1993.
  • Islamabad, Pakistan Gazette, February 3, 1993.
  • "Tens of Thousands Killed in Somalia's Civil War", The Washington Post, February 4, 1993.