Russian peacekeepers join UN mission in south Sudan

Photo ITAR-TASS news agency - an advance team of the Russian helicopter group is on its way to Sudan 20 Apr 2006 to operate as part of the UN mission in south Sudan:

"An Il-76 aircraft will deliver about 30 people as well as munitions and over 10 tons of outfits and property necessary for deploying the helicopter team at the place of location," the Air Force spokesman said.

General Sergei Shevchenko, the deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force, told Itar-Tass that up to 200 servicemen as well as four Mi-8 helicopters with a full set of equipment and ammunitions and more than 100 tons of various cargoes onboard would be airlifted to Sudan.

The An-24, An-22 and Il-76 military transport planes will make nearly 40 flights.