Sri Lanka Air Force Executes Daring Rescue of 14 Soldiers in Central African Republic
By Lions Roar News Military Desk
BRIA, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (January 3, 2026) — In a display of exceptional bravery and tactical precision, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Aviation Unit serving under the United Nations (MINUSCA) successfully rescued 14 African soldiers during a high-risk operation in the volatile Obo region.
The rescue took place on December 31, 2025, amidst a deteriorating security situation where UN and local forces were under direct threat from heavily armed hostile groups.
⚡ The Bambouti Extraction
The SLAF’s Mi-17 helicopter (UNO 325P) was initially deployed to the remote area of Bambouti for a critical troop resupply mission. However, upon landing and offloading 1,800 kg of supplies, the situation turned critical.
Key Details of the Operation:
- Immediate Threat: As the helicopter sat on the ground, armed elements were observed advancing rapidly toward the landing zone, posing a direct threat to the aircraft and ground personnel.
- The Rescue: Fourteen Central African Armed Forces (FACA) soldiers, who were under the protection of a temporary UN operating base, were identified as being at extreme risk of being overrun.
- Quick Take-off: Demonstrating decisive leadership, the SLAF crew coordinated a rapid extraction, pulling all 14 soldiers into the helicopter and executing a high-pressure takeoff to escape the hostile fire.
The rescued soldiers were safely transported to a temporary operations camp in Bambouti before the aircraft returned to its primary base in Obo.
🎖️ The Heroes Behind the Mission
The successful extraction was carried out by a highly experienced aircrew from the 10th SLAF Aviation Contingent:
- Captain Pilot: Wing Commander Nuran Perera
- Co-Pilot: Flight Lieutenant Shafrid Iqbal
- Flight Engineer: Flight Lieutenant Praveen Rathnayake
- Crew Members: Flight Sergeant Senevirathne WCN and Sergeant Bandara MGSK.
🌍 Sri Lanka’s Global Peacekeeping Role
The Sri Lanka Air Force has maintained a consistent presence in the Central African Republic since 2014. Operating in “Sector East”—the largest and most dangerous sector in the country—the SLAF unit is frequently called upon for troop transport, medical evacuations (CASEVAC), and high-risk resupply missions.
This latest rescue adds to a long list of successful operations. Just in 2025, the unit has completed over 16 casualty evacuations, saving dozens of lives under extreme environmental and combat conditions.
