RUF takes over 500 UN peacekeepers hostage

In May 2000, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) escalated the conflict in Sierra Leone by taking over 500 United Nations peacekeepers hostage. This bold move was facilitated by the rebels' acquisition of captured weapons and armoured personnel carriers, which they used to advance towards the capital, Freetown. The hostage crisis lasted for 75 days, during which intense fighting erupted between the RUF and government forces. The situation prompted the UN to intervene, leading to the launch of Operation Khukri. This operation, primarily executed by Indian and British Special Forces, aimed to rescue the hostages and restore order. Ultimately, Operation Khukri was successful in ending the siege, showcasing the complexities of peacekeeping missions in conflict zones and the challenges faced by international forces in stabilizing war-torn regions. The events of this crisis highlighted the dire need for effective conflict resolution strategies and the importance of international cooperation in peacekeeping efforts.