Operation Palliser
Operation Palliser was a British Armed forces operation in Sierra Leone in 2000 under the command of Brigadier David Richards.
Main Deployment
On May 7, 2000, the 1st Battalion, the Parachute Regiment was deployed to evacuate UK, EU, and Commonwealth citizens in case the rebel forces of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) managed to capture Freetown. After the evacuation its main aims were to keep control of the airport, patrol Freetown, and allow UN supplies to be flown in to the country safely.
The following ships were deployed:
- HMS Ocean
- HMS Illustrious
- HMS Argyll
- HMS Chatham
- RFA Fort Austin
- Two RFA LSLs.
On May 17, 2000, the Rebel leader Foday Sankoh was captured by Government forces and transported to a secure location by helicopter. Subsequently, Operation Palliser ended on June 15, 2000.
Operation Barras
Main article: Operation Barras
Operation Barras was an operation carried out to rescue soldiers captured by the West Side Boys with the use of the SAS or paratroopers, and to stabilize the situation in Sierra Leone.