Regional nations deploy troops to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games

ANKARA

Pacific nations have deployed security personnel to the Solomon Islands to boost security for the Pacific Games, a regional sports event held every four years.

The New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) sent 90 security personnel and two military helicopters on Tuesday ahead of the Pacific Games, which are set to start on Sunday.

"As part of preparations for hosting the major sporting event, the Solomon Islands Government requested security support. Members of the NZDF will join personnel from Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea in assisting the RSIPF (Royal Solomon Islands Police Force) to deliver a safe and secure Games," the New Zealand force said on its website.

Australia and Fiji have deployed around 200 police and security personnel, while a contingent of 108 police personal from Papua New Guinea also arrived in Honiara.

Australian Federal Police and Defense Force personnel will work under the leadership of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force alongside partners from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and New Zealand to support a "safe and secure event," said the Australian Defense Ministry on Sunday

The 2023 Pacific Games is one of the biggest sports event in the region, bringing together around 5,000 athletes, officials and support staff from 24 Pacific teams, in Honiara, the Solomon Islands capital, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid