The Malawi Defense Force (MDF) Commander General Paul Valentino Phiri announced that a 200-Company class troop has been deployed to Chikangawa Forest in Mzuzu to search for the missing army aircraft, which was carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima and others.
A company has anywhere from a few dozen to 200 soldiers. It’s a tactical-sized unit that can perform a battlefield function on its own. A company consists of three or four platoons and is generally commanded by a captain.
During a media briefing in Lilongwe on Tuesday, General Phiri stated that as of now, nothing has been found in the search which commenced yesterday.
He mentioned that challenging weather, difficult terrains, and various interferences are hampering the operation.
He explained, “Chikangawa has very thick terrains, and this morning we experienced bad weather conditions, leading to reduced visibility.”
Despite these obstacles, he said the soldiers, along with the Malawi Police Service and others, continue their efforts on the ground.
General Phiri revealed that they are receiving support from various stakeholders within Malawi and neighboring countries, and are utilizing helicopters, drones, and other equipment in the search.
The plane carrying Chilima, and nine others, failed to make its scheduled landing at Mzuzu International Airport at 10:02.
Picture by Nation Online
