The National Army informed that this is the third return flight for some 450 peacekeeping troops whose replacement was delayed for several months due to armed clashes in their operations area, resulting in one death and several injuries among Uruguayan personnel.

The last group of the contingent that should return in January is getting back this Sunday, following lengthy negotiations with the United Nations and the parties involved in the conflict in the DRC.

“The arriving troops will be transferred directly to the 1st Infantry Brigade, where the corresponding health protocols will be followed as quickly as possible, so that they can be reintegrated into their original units to be released and reunited with their families,” an Army statement noted.

The farewell ceremony was held on Friday for 200 other relief troops.

The contingent of Uruguayan blue helmets will be completed with a fourth flight, the source said.

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