U.N. Authorizes 3,000 Troops
The Security Council on Friday authorized the deployment of 3,000 more troops to protect relief supplies in famine-ravaged Somalia, in addition to 500 Pakistani soldiers already on their way. The new troop operation will cost nearly $130 million in the first six months.
The U.N. operation in Somalia now is backed by only 50 unarmed observers in Mogadishu, the capital.
The 3,000 additional soldiers will comprise four 750-man units. One will serve at Bossasso, in the northeast, and another in the southwest of the country. Two more are to be stationed at the ports of Berbera, in the north, and Kismayu, in the south.
The 500-man Pakistani unit due to arrive shortly will be based in Mogadishu.
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