The commitment assumed by Romania within the United Nations Organization, by means of which our country contributed to the international peace-keeping efforts within the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali /MINUSMA, officially ended on Thursday, 15 October.

Through October 2019 - October 2020, during the two rotations, the Carpathian Pumas Detachment made up of Romanian Air Force soldiers and IAR-330 Puma L-RM helicopters accomplished the operational mission requested by the UN, consisting in over 350 combat missions, 18 of which being air MEDEVAC ones (in support of more than 40), approximatively 200 reconnaissance/research and air patrolling missions and 100 transportation missions with two rapid deployments conducted in support of the UN operations executed in other sectors, in Mopti and Kidal locations.

Over the last year, the Romanian IAR-330 Puma L-RM helicopters conducted almost 1250 flight hours in the sub-Saharan area, 200 of which being executed at night, the detachment's area of responsibility having the size of the Romanian territory.

Also, the Romanian troops have periodically conducted training activities in support of the multinational contingents from their area of deployment, especially Forward and MEDEVAC and Rapid Reaction Exercises (embarkment/disembarkment, emergency evacuation procedures, increase of transportation configuration).

The commander of MINUSMA Mission, Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllensporre, recently stated that the Romanian soldiers really made the difference within this mission because the helicopters represent one of its essential capacity, and that they successfully replaced the Canadian troops.

Thank you for everything you have accomplished this year, for the focus placed on the mission and the great number of flight hours. You demonstrated Romania's professionalism and commitment, the MINUSMA commander concluded.

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Romania supported the UN in assisting the Government of the Republic of Mali with the implementation of the Peace Agreement for the civilians' protection and prevention of the return of hostile armed elements of the Peace Agreement to the populated areas. The Romanian detachment, which was made up of almost 120 soldiers and four helicopters/rotation, conducted MEDEVAC/CASEVAC missions, troops and material transportation missions, passenger transportation missions, air patrolling and observance missions.

The Press Office