YUGOSLAVIA: KOSOVO: K-FOR: GURKHAS ARRIVE

(12 Jun 1999) Natural Sound

Gurkha soldiers, elite Nepalese infantrymen who serve in the British army, were among the first to be flown into Kosovo on Saturday as part of the multinational K-FOR peace implementation force.

As the sun rose over Macedonia the soldiers waited to begin their short trip into the province.

And as the helicopters flew over the countryside across some of the destruction caused by the NATO bombing campaign was visible.

NATO's airstrikes ended earlier this week after 78 days.

The bombing may be over but entering the province is still a dangerous mission.

The first task for these soldiers was to check and clear a route for those who will come after them, making sure that unexploded bombs, mines and possible booby traps left by Serb forces are discovered and made safe.

Officers explained to their men some of the dangers that lay before them, urging the utmost vigilance.

As the morning progressed back-up arrived for the soldiers on the ground.

Once the road is safe the Land Rovers flown in by these Chinook helicopters will make progress into the heart of Kosovo easier.

Although the trip between Blace and Pristina normally takes less than two hours, the first NATO soldiers were not expected to reach the Kosovo capital until later Saturday because of the time needed to make the route safe.

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