The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has successfully supported a high-risk hostage rescue operation in the Central African Republic, securing the release of three civilians held captive for more than eight months.
The operation was conducted by the SLAF Aviation Unit serving under the United Nations MINUSCA mission, with three Mi-17 helicopters deployed alongside specialised combat, negotiation and medical evacuation teams.
The helicopters conducted more than 18 hours of flying operations in a challenging security environment, contributing to the successful rescue of all three hostages.
The SLAF praised the professionalism, courage and teamwork of its personnel, highlighting Sri Lanka’s contribution to international peacekeeping and civilian protection efforts under the United Nations flag.
