Operation Khukri - World at War

Most challenging to play: RUF [Japanese] against Indians [Allied]. Conditions: Normal. Size: Medium-Large.

Background: July 15, 2000. Pendembu, Sierra Leone.

Operation KHUKRI was an unique multinational operation launched by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), involving India, Ghana, Britain and Nigeria. The aim of the operation was to break the two month long siege laid by armed cadres of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) around two companies of 5/8 Gorkha Rifles (GR) Infantry Battalion Group at Kailahun by affecting a fighting break out and redeploying them with the main battalion at Daru.

During the operation, 5/8 GR was ordered to clear the town of Pendembu, the headquarters of the RUF 1 Brigade. A tough battle was expected. An Indian Mi-35 initiated the assault with several attacks against known RUF positions inside the town. Mech-2 then moved through the town and occupied the northern section of Pendembu while Mot-2 systematically began searching houses. Several fire-fights broke out with the RUF forces taking all the casualties. With the town secure, a column was sent through the jungle and linked up with the remaining forces of the Kailahun column, which was then escorted into Pendembu. At 1730hrs the column reached Daru, concluding this successful operation that provided a boost for both the Indian Army and UNAMSIL forces.