Msian ‘Black Hawk Down’ warriors reunite for the first time in 22 years28 OCTOBER 2015 @ 2:35 PM
SUNGAI PETANI: The Defence Ministry, in cooperation with Berita Harian, today organised a ceremony to commemorate and pay tribute to Malaysian soldiers who had participated in the ‘Battle of Mogadishu’ in Somalia in 1993. The event, held at the army base here, marked a historic reunion which brought together more than 400 Malbat 1 UNOSOM II personnel who had served in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Somalia, 22 years ago.
[size=0.75em]Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein with officers and members of the 19th battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Mechanised) who had participated in the ‘Battle of Mogadishu’ in Somalia. Pix by Eizairi Shamsudin
They comprised more than 90 officers and members of the 19th battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Mechanised), who were directly involved in the mission to save US Rangers personnel and the crew of two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters which had become trapped in the Bakara Market in Mogadishu on Oct 3 and 4, 1993.
[size=0.75em]A pantomime presentation to recall the nostalgic incident that happened in Somalia in 1993. Pix by Eizairi Shamsudin
The battle with militiamen loyal to Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid resulted in 18 deaths and 73 wounded Lance Corporal Mat Aznan Awang, who was driving a Malaysian Condor armoured personnel carrier, was killed when his vehicle was hit by an RPG on October 3. Mat Aznan was posthumously promoted to Corporal, and awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa medal.
[size=0.75em]Siti Zawiyah Yahya, 49, the widow of Corporal Mat Aznan Awang poses for a picture with their daughter, Sergeant Azlinda Mat Aznan, 29, while displaying a certificate of appreciation for Mat Aznan’s bravery in the ‘Battle of Mogadishu’. Pix by Eizairi Shamsudin
The event today was officiated by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who presented certificates of appreciation and souvenirs to the team members.
[size=0.75em]Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein presents certificates of appreciation and souvenirs to the team members. Pix by Eizairi Shamsudin
Also present was Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin; the ministry’s chief secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohd Radzi; Army chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor; NSTP Group Managing Editor Datuk Abdul Jalil Hamid; and Berita Harian Group Editor Datuk Mahfar Ali.
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