Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) says the Sri Aviation Unit Bria, operating under the United Nations mandate in the Central African Republic, successfully executed a critical Casualty Evacuation mission last week (14 June) amidst a highly hostile environment.
Issuing a statement, the SLAF said that the operation involved an Mi-17 helicopter (UNO 326P) tasked with the urgent onsite casualty pickup of three UN personnel from Zemio who were severely wounded in combat.
The mission was commanded by Wing Commander Ishan Thibbotumunuwe (Captain), Wing Commander Nadun Deneththi as co-pilot and Flight Sergeant Chandana AMG, Sergeant Perera GGPK, Corporal Weerasinghe KPS and Corporal Rodrigo DVMP as the aircrew.
Confronted with a hostile area and unpredictable ground conditions, the crew displayed exceptional professionalism and courage.
The withdrawal site at Zemio presented multiple challenges, including extreme dusty landing conditions, a volatile tactical situation and the requirement for precision landing amidst a rapidly changing ground threat posture.
The operation was further compounded by the necessity of a night extraction during adverse weather, requiring the use of Night Vision Goggles for safe and effective execution.
The SLAF said that despite these adversities, the mission was precisely planned and flawlessly executed. In addition, the total flight time of this operation was 3 hours and 50 minutes.
The timely response and seamless coordination among the aircrew and support teams ensured the safe evacuation and transport of the casualties to Bria for further medical treatment, it added. (Newswire)