Indonesia Sends Troops To Lebanon On Peacekeeping Mission

Jakarta, Oct 17 (Antara) - The Indonesian Military (TNI) sent Maritime Task Force (MTF) troops to Lebanon on Thursday (Oct. 16) to join the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), TNI spokesman Colonel Infantry Bernardus Robert stated on Friday. According to him, this is the seventh time that Indonesia has sent its troops to Lebanon on a peacekeeping mission. The 100 troops sent to Lebanon comprised 88 warship personnel, seven pilots and helicopter crews, divers, and intelligence officers. The military also sent a Bolkow helicopter to Lebanon. The Indonesian Chief of Military General Moeldoko supervised the deployment held at Tanjung Priok port, North Jakarta. The military chief expressed hope that the Indonesian troops would be able to conduct their on-field duties in accordance with the UNIFIL`s authority in Lebanon. The Indonesian troops are expected to assist the Lebanese Navy in maintaining its sea sovereignty, securing the coastline, and preventing the entry of illegal guns into Lebanon. The troops will be transported by the Indonesian Navy ship KRI SIM-367. The mission will last for a period of 10 months.