Op TOSCA

6 Regiment RLC is currently deployed on United Nations peacekeeping duties in Cyprus.

Operation TOSCA is the name given to the British contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). In an area of continuing tension, soldiers from the British Army, alongside colleagues from the United Nations Police, monitor and patrol the 180km long Buffer Zone 24/7 separating the North and South of Cyprus. UNFICYP was originally established by the UN Security Council in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. After further hostilities in 1974, a permanent United Nations Peacekeeping mission was established to operate in Cyprus to prevent further conflict.

The British Army has deployed soldiers to the UNFICYP ever since, to help keep the peace and maintaining stability. In recent years, The RLC has played a key role. Since 2007 some eleven different units have deployed as ‘Sector 2’. Currently, 6 Regiment RLC forms the backbone of the 238 strong deployment as ‘Sector 2’, augmented by 75 IAs from 23 different units and over ten different cap badges. Individual and collective training included learning and reestablishing a multitude of skills. Soldiers have been trained as Public Order Instructors, Negotiators and Military Observers, as well as enjoying both Greek and Turkish language lessons. Preparations were challenging. The Regt was heavily committed to Op RESCRIPT and COVID-19 meant many courses were cancelled and delayed and soldiers spent long periods of time away from their families.

The Op TOSCA 34 force deployed to Sector 2 of the Buffer Zone, which includes some of the most sensitive areas of the Buffer Zone together with the last remaining divided capital city in the world, Nicosia. The Operations Company, Support Company and Influence Group are located at Ledra Palace Hotel; with the Mobile Force Reserve stationed at the United Nations Protected Area. After an excellent hand over from 6 RIFLES, the deployed force has quickly adjusted into the routine of life on operations. Soldiers have been patrolling the Buffer Zone, by day and night, on foot, bike and by vehicle, in both the urban and rural environment. Their key responsibility is to observe, monitor and report, ensuring they are on high alert to anything that may affect the status quo. Alongside the patrols training has been key. All the training was planned and delivered by JNCOs, and included: firefighting, public order, weapons training and navigation. A unique opportunity of this deployment is working within a multi-cap badge

Op TOSCA 34

environment. Soldiers have been able to conduct integrated joint patrols with the Slovakian and Argentinian Armies and with police drawn from nations across the globe. Deployed at a key time in the political calendar, there have been diplomatic visits from nations readying themselves for the 5+1 talks in Geneva and 6 Regt soldiers have been instrumental in providing insights into the ‘Cyprus Problem’.

The Military Observation and Liaison Officers focus their time on regular Key Leader Engagements, with the two Opposing Forces as well as a raft of civilian authorities. Op NORTHWIND is one example of this interaction and is a humanitarian aid patrol, delivering medical supplies, food and gas to displaced Southern Cypriots currently residing in the North of the island. Looking back, the Regt and attached personnel have much to be proud of. It has been a long and challenging year, ensuring everyone is trained proficiently and overcoming the hurdles that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented. Basic military training complimented by a focus on ‘soft skills’ in the form of negotiation has been a refreshing change for trade orientated personnel. Soldiers are carrying out their duties of patrolling, training, integrating and liaising with the upmost professionalism and the Regt looks forward to updating on the tour on its return to home-base.