Operation Longstop

16-19 May 2024: 60H Combat Mission, The Trees
RULES
EVENT INFO
KIT LIST

Location: IVO Masuma, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

A 2023 joint report published by the WWF and the United States Institute of Peace regarding the links between poaching and terrorism across the African continent listed Zimbabwe as a crisis environment.

With multiple species facing extinction level threats, poachers are targeting wildlife at an increasing number of locations, Hwange National Park being the most critically affected. Last year alone saw 8 rhinos and 18 elephants killed for ivory along with scores of other species killed for meat and fur.

The joint report claims the majority of profits are going straight into the hands of extremists from various groups including al-Shabaab, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and even elements of Azearian State, along with multiple groups from Zambia and the Congo. Many of these groups are travelling across multiple borders to conduct the wildlife trafficking that is decimating the region.

Several anti poaching groups have reported a huge increase in armed fighters. The Akashinga Rangers, an all female anti poaching unit, recently reported huge losses after encounters with heavily armed traffickers.

Many of the game reserves and national parks are bringing in foreign security companies to assist. One of these groups is the Samark Security Group (SSG), a British based PMC with extensive experience across Africa. They have set up operations in Hwange, working  alongside VETPAW, the US veteran led anti poaching unit, to combat the ongoing trafficking.

While much of the poaching and trafficking is linked to terrorism, there is also an ever increasing number of reports detailing mass abductions in remote rural areas and even attacks on mining stations. SSG has been tasked to intervene.

SSG & VETPAW

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LRA

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COUNTDOWN TO OPERATION

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The Trees

The Trees – Directions

Lat, Long / Postcode:
52.274333, -2.959972 / LD8 2HN

Arrivals:
1600H-2100H 16 May
0730H – 0830H 17 May / 18 May

Price

£125 TOTAL (£115 if arriving on 17th post 0730 , £90 if arriving on 18th post 0730)
– Online booking of £45 deposit (plus fees)
– Remainder to be paid on arrival