Irish troops set to depart to Chad

Dublin- More than 160 troops bound for eastern Chad will depart Ireland tonight for one of their most dangerous and challenging missions to date.
The members of the Defence Forces 97 Infantry Battalion will begin a four-month tour of duty as part of the Eufor peacekeeping operation in the troubled African state. The humanitarian mission will involve the creation of a secure setting for more than 400,000 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP's) occupying refugee camps along the border with Darfur.

In temperatures soaring over 50 degrees Celsius, Irish troops will man patrols across the region and support aid agencies. Defence Minister Willie O'Dea said the tour will be one of the most challenging missions ever undertaken by the troops as members of Oglaigh na hEireann.
"The mission in Chad, without doubt, has its risks but more than 400,000 refugees fleeing the bloody conflict in Darfur need our help," he said."A total of 390 Irish troops will be on the ground in Chad when tonight's contingent land tomorrow morning."
On the June 1, a further 150 troops will leave Ireland for Chad which will bring to almost 550 the number of personnel serving on the ground in the region."