The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) says it is deploying troops to Kerr Pateh village following an Intensifying armed robbery attack in the area. The deployment according to the army, is done at the request of civil authority.
In June, “…the village came under a violent armed attack by some criminals and a considerable amount of money and belongings were looted from innocent businessmen.
“This incident is symptomatic of a series of periodic armed robberies that occur in villages particularly along the Gambia-Senegal porous border, the GAF says in a statement.
The reports say these armed robbers use pick-ups and horse carts as mode of transport to launch attacks and cross the border back into Senegal.
“In response to a request by civil authority to deploy our personnel in Kerr Pateh, the Gambia Armed Forces launched Operation FOX HUNT to defend and protect lives and properties of Gambians in this area of the border.
“The Gambia National Army has been tasked to deploy troops to the area and to conduct vigorous patrols within the general area of Kerr Pateh in order to completely deter the armed robbers from harassing members of the community; and to allow economic and social activities to thrive without hindrance.”
The GNA therefore solicits the cooperation of the general public especially residents in this area in sharing vital information that could help troops and other security forces to act swiftly and contain any incident that may pose a threat to lives and properties.
The initial deployment of a Platoon comprising 30 personnel of GNA was completed a short while ago in Kerr Pateh and they are led by Lt Mamat Jobe from 2 Infantry Battalion in Farafenni.