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STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE, THE HON MR JOE MODISE, ON THE REDUCTION OF TROOPS IN LESOTHO - 30 OCTOBER 1998
I am pleased to be able to announce that the situation in Lesotho has now normalised to such a degree thanks to the work of the SADC Intervention Force and the political negotiations underway, that some of the South African troops deployed can now return home.
There are currently 3 500 troops deployed in Lesotho. This number will be reduced by 1 400, bringing the force to 2 100. The units to move out of Lesotho will be 1 Special Service Battalion, 1 SA Infantry Battalion and 1 Parachute Battalion. They will be replaced by 600 soldiers from 2 SA Infantry Battalion.
I am confident that we have the right numbers and mix of troops to carry out specific security tasks in support of the Civil Military Co-ordinating Centre in Lesotho. The equipment and armament deployed is now in accordance with the softer approach required during the next stage of operation.
I would like to thank all the members of the SANDF and the Botswana Defence Force who made up the SADC Intervention Force. I am proud of their performance and the results that they have achieved.
ISSUED BY : PHUSO TLADI, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE : TEL (012) 355-6271 / 083-628-0858
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