The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Aviation Unit serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic helped rescue three civilians held hostage for more than eight months during an operation on 19 October 2026.
The operation was conducted under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Three Mi-17 transport helicopters were deployed alongside combat personnel, a tactical negotiation team and an Air Medical Evacuation Team to support the rescue and provide immediate medical assistance if required.
The mission involved more than 18 cumulative flight hours, with crews operating over difficult terrain in a volatile security environment.
The rescue ended more than eight months in captivity for the three civilians.
