Phased approach to SA troops return from DRC peace mission
The South African National Defence Force says
several aircraft trips will return troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo
to South Africa by the end of June.
"With these bigger aircrafts, it'll now be nine trips of aircraft to bring our soldiers back, and the frequency of those aircrafts moving is almost every second day," said Joint Operations Chief, Siphiwe Sangweni.
"We will be able to finish before the end of June, if there are no technical challenges."
On Friday, 249 soldiers arrived at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria following several delays and logistical issues.
Defence minister Angie Motshekga and SANDF officials received the soldiers.
READ: SA troop arrival from DRC delayed
"I really want to thank you most sincerely. Kissing the ground, I found it very emotional. As much as you couldn't wait to come home, we couldn't wait to see you back home," said Motshekga.
"So, we're very happy that you're here. We'll work with you, supporting you in terms of your social needs, emotional needs. We're very grateful for your contribution."
The troops were deployed to the eastern DRC as part of a peacekeeping mission.
Fourteen South African soldiers were killed in January after clashes with the M23 rebel group.
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