Following the devastating tsunami on 26 December 2004 in southern Asia,
British military personnel deployed to the region within days as part of a
major international relief effort. Royal Navy and Royal Air Force
personnel helped deliver a range of humanitarian assistance including the
provision of urgently needed supplies and helping to clean up and rebuild
affected areas. This assistance was provided under the name Operation
GARRON. (Last update 22 January 2005)
In light of a volatile and violent situation in Cote d'Ivoire in early
November 2004, the UK deployed a small military team to review contingency
plans, liaise with the French military authorities regarding the safety of
British citizens, and offer expert advice to the British Ambassador in
Abidjan. An evacuation operation commenced early on 12 November 2004,
when RAF Hercules aircraft flew into Cote d'Ivoire to take UK nationals and
other evacuees to Accra. This evacuation was conducted under the name
of Operation PHILLIS. (Last update 13 November 2004)
Following violent disturbances between ethnic Serbs and Albanians in
Kosovo on the night of 17/18 March 2004, the commander of the NATO-led
Kosovo Force (KFOR) requested reinforcement from the Operational Readiness
Force (ORF), at that time being provided by United Kingdom. The very
high readiness of 1st Battalion, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and
Wiltshire Regiment allowed the first reinforcements to arrive in Pristina on
the night of 18/19 March 2004 and commence patrols on 19 March 2004.
The Battalion returned to the UK thirty days later, after the situation had
been stabilised. (Last update 29 March 2004)
In the event of industrial action by civilian firefighters, personnel
from all three of the Armed Forces can be trained and equipped to provide
basic emergency cover. This contingency was last required in November
2002, when members of the Fire Brigade Union went on strike for 2 days
(13-15 November 2002) and a subsequent period of 8 days (22-30 November
2002). The Armed Forces contributed 18,600 personnel to this effort,
which was called Operation FRESCO. (Last update 3 February 2003)
Operation VERITAS was the UK's contribution to the United Stated-led
Operation Enduring Freedom, which began on 7 October 2001. Task Force
Jacana began returning home on 4 July 2002, with the further contingents
returning on 12 and 19 July 2002. Drawdown completed at the end of
July 2002. Operations conducted by 45 Commando Group included
Operation PTARMIGAN, Operation SNIPE, Operation CONDOR and Operation
BUZZARD. (Last update 9
July 2002)
British Forces were the lead element of the International Security
Assistance Force in Kabul during its initial period of deployment from
January to June 2002. Nineteen countries contributed troops during
that period to assist the new Afghan Interim Authority in providing security
and stability. Major-General McColl handed over command of ISAF to
Turkey's Major-General Zorlu on 20 June 2002. A British contingent
continues to serve with ISAF. (Last update 14 June 2002)
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