First UN troops in Somalia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MOGADISHU (AP) - American military C-130 cargo planes delivered 63 Pakistani soldiers and their equipment to the Somali capital yesterday as the first contingent of a 500-strong United Nations force which will help to prevent looting of food aid meant for up to 2 million starving Somalis.
Colonel Isoa D. Tikoca, deputy commander of UN forces in Somalia, said the initial contingent would not be deployed until the remainder of the UN battalion is on the ground. The primary objective will then be to restore order at Mogadishu's port, where 10,000 tonnes of American sorghum has sat in a dockside warehouse for two weeks because a clan dispute has prevented aid workers from distributing it.
Aid organistaions estimate that 2,000 tonnes of food per day could be moved by truck convoys if the port were functioning properly.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments