The Irish Army looks set to deploy it’s elite special forces unit, called the Irish Ranger Wing, into the pirate ridden waters of Somalia after they were requested by the EU. At least they’re in demand.
Did you know that Ireland has an elite special forces unit called the Irish Ranger Wing? Well we do, and apparently they’re pretty damn good at their job. So much so that the EU actually asked our government a few months back if they could deploy the Rangers out into Somali waters, where pirates are currently running amuck.
The team being sent over will consist of 30 Rangers, including three six-man specialist assault teams, according to the Irish Independent. The lads haven’t left the ground yet as they still need the approval of the Cabinet and the Dáil, however, according to sources they’re “mission ready” and are simply waiting for the go ahead. Exciting stuff we think you’ll agree…
So why are we sending out our best-trained personnel into dangerous African waters? Well the whole reason for the trip is so that the Rangers can keep a watchful eye on ships carrying humanitarian cargo for the World Food Programme through the Indian Ocean and to make sure pirates stay away.
They’ll be deployed for a four to six month stint. Below you’ll find a video of them storming a passenger ferry on the Irish Sea (for training purposes, of course) back in July of last year. We wish them the best…
Image via Fianoglach.ie
