Operation LANGAR

Operation LANGAR
East Timor 25 – Gurkha troops formed part of the British Army’s contribution to the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) in September 1999 (known as Operation LANGAR). INTERFET was a multinational force led by Australia to address the crisis in East Timor, Indonesia.
The lead-up to the deployment of INTERFET troops was politically and militarily tense. The INTERFET coalition began deploying to East Timor on 20 September 1999, as a non-UN force operating in accordance with UN resolutions. It was tasked with restoring peace and security, protecting and supporting the UN mandate, and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
In support of Operation LANGAR, a company of Gurkhas were amongst the first troops to arrive in East Timor. Soldiers from The Second Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) landed at Komoro, west of the capital city of Dili. 2RGR helped secure the city, clearing the way for displaced people to return to their homes. During the deployment, a reconnaissance section under Colour Sergeant Rajan Rai exchanged fire with a local militia group during a convoy escort mission. After a short firefight, the militia had either fled or surrendered, enabling the Gurkhas to free c3,500 people that had been held hostage.
A rear link detachment (RLD), with soldiers from The Queen’s Gurkha Signals (QGS), also deployed. It was Sergeant Chandra Thapa and Lance Corporal Buddhi’s role to provide the secure communications links between the RGR headquarters and higher headquarters and the UK.
Operation LANGAR was an example of Gurkhas deploying at short notice, integrating into a multinational force, and helping to bring operational success. INTERFET’s mission ended with East Timor gaining recognised independence in May 2002.