South African citizens would face islamic terror threat if its soldiers in the national defence force were sent to join the African Union troops to wagewar against islamic terrorists Boko Haram in Nigeria
Graeme Hosken 2015-01-14
The African Union is mulling plans to deploy its military intervention force to fight the Islamic group.
Last week islamic terrorists Boko Haram reportedly killed hundreds of people in raids on the northeastern Nigerian town of Baga - they even exploded young girls with long-distance bombs strapped to their bodies.
Nigeria has 130,000 soldiers but seems helpless against islamic terrorism.
The islamic terrorist group sezied Baga along with a military base used by a multinational force fighting it. However, the Nigerian government said the death toll did not exceed 150.
Military analyst Helmoed Heitman said that if the AU force were to be deployed, with South African troops leading it, the threat of terror attacks closer to their own country would be increased.
"Make no mistake, we are not immune to islamic terrorism. Our borders are completely porous," said Heitman.
"If we do go and Boko Haram decides to take us on and bring the fight onto our streets, we must not be surprised."
Heitman said that if the force's deployment were before March, when another of the six countries that have agreed to provide troops and equipment for the AU intervention force would take its turn to shoulder the load, at least 1500 South African airborne, mechanised and infantry troops would deploy.
"South Africa has committed various fighting elements, including Rooivalk attack helicopters, Oryx helicopters, Gripen and Hawk fighter jets, artillery and armoured vehicles, all of which would be needed.
"Boko Haram is a hardened islamic guerrilla fighting force, using hit-and-run tactics. It has taken over entire towns and overrun military bases, and is giving the Nigerian defence force, by no means a Mickey Mouse outfit, a run for its money."
Heitman said the continuous resupplying of the forces would be difficult.
"We simply do not have the airlift capability. We saw and learned how important airlift resupply is in the battle for Bangui."
http://m.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/?articleId=13646191
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