Seems the more I research, the more and more I find that the Canadian military is involved in every type of conflict and peacekeeping mission around the globe. From the war of 1812 to the present flare-ups of the peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Macedonia.
Kosovo (map), a breakaway province of the republic of Serbia, of the former kingdom of Yugoslavia, is a small area of the Balkans and is populated by approximately 2,025,000 (est. July 1998 ) people. Serbs and Albanians are the main players in this conflict and the politics and governments, and leaders of the two factions are all to blame for the continued fighting and unrest. The NATO forces are responsible for maintaining law and order in the region and have been instrumental in the restructuring of social, law enforcement, and medical institutions. The reasons behind the conflict are many and can hardly be covered under this topic in as few as five hundred words, but suffice it to say that it is related to poverty and ethnicity.
Beginning in June 1999 the Canadian military conducted themselves well with distinction, honor, and humanity during it's deployment, helping in hospitals, building roads and schools. Helping the locals to restart their economies and police themselves. Protecting convoy's of relief supplies and medical equipment. All of these acts are blessings to a people that have been without for upwards of eight years.
As of May 1st 2000, Canada had approximately 1,470 persons serving in Kosovo which by the end of June 2000 was reduced to only a few individuals. The Canadian contingents operations included operation Kinetic, Echo, and Quadrant. Operation Kinetic was the beginning operation and involved Kosovo and FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia). Operation Kinetic was made up of an Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron, a Tactical Helicopter Squadron, a Combat Engineer Regiment, an Infantry Battle Group. A National Command Element and a National Support Element were also embarked. Units deployed were: 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Element from CFB Edmonton, The Lord Strathcona’s Horse Reconnaissance Squadron, from CFB Edmonton, 15 Engineer Squadron from CFB Edmonton, and 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Operation Echo involved a contingent of six CF-18 aircraft and 120 personnel based in Italy for support of operations in Kosovo.
Operation Quadrant was the designation for Canada's overall participation in the international peacekeeping force in Kosovo. There are at present 7 CF members involved in the the UN Mission Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK); and KFOR HQ.
The main Canadian units where withdrawn and returned to Canada beginning on 11 May 2000.
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