US Finally Thanks Malaysia For Saving Their Soldiers In ‘Black Hawk Down’ Rescue Mission
Malaysian soldiers involved in the rescue of United States elite forces in the 'Black Hawk Down' incident in Mogadishu, Somalia, were finally given recognition, 20 years after the incident.
By Sadho Ram — 15 Dec 2013, 05:42 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
The US has finally expressed its appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of Malaysian peacekeepers for saving their soldiers in Mogadishu, Somalia on October 3, 1993
The gratitude was expressed by Thomas Kelly, the Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau Of Political-Military Affairs today, 20 years after the famous incident which formed the basis for the 2001 movie Black Hawk Down.
themalaysianinsider.com
Kelly said Malaysian peacekeepers had proven their mettle and prowess in performing their duties under the United Nations (UN) banner
"In global peace operations, we always admire the great capacity of Malaysian peacekeepers and benefited from their heroism and bravery."
themalaymailonline.com
"A Malaysian peacekeeper lost his life when rescuing American soldiers in Mogadishu 20 years ago," he told reporters after handing over Full Training Capability and launch of the Malaysia Peacekeeping Centre Blueprint, in Port Dickson today.
Malaysian Armed Forces chief, General Datuk Seri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin was also present.
themalaysianinsider.com
In the incident 20 years ago, over 100 Malaysian soldiers put their lives at risk to rescue trapped American rangers in the war torn city of Mogadishu, Somalia.
When a group of American soldiers were caught behind enemy lines after Somali militias shot down two Black Hawk helicopters over Mogadishu.
mareeg.comMalaysian peacekeepers and Pakistani peacekeepers under UNOSOM II (United Nations Operation In Somalia) then assisted American soldiers to rescue the trapped group.
Lance Corporal Mat Aznan Awang, driver of a Malaysian Condor armoured personnel carrier, was killed when his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
He was posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa medal.
nst.com.my
Washington had never officially recognised the role of Malaysian peacekeepers in the rescue mission in Mogadishu, Somalia
The movie Black Hawk Down, directed by Ridley Scott, also made no reference to the role of Malaysian peacekeepers in rescuing the American soldiers.
Kelly said the Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre proves that Malaysia has the best peacekeepers.
"All Malaysians should be proud of what the Malaysian defence force has achieved here," he added.
themalaysianinsider.com
Remembering Malaysian soldiers who saved America soldiers at Black Hawk Down 20 years ago
