Over 200 Colorado National Guard Soldiers to deploy to Middle East for peacekeeping mission

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (KRDO) -- More than 200 soldiers from the Colorado Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment (Mountain) will depart for a deployment to the Middle East on April 3, according to the Colorado National Guard (CONG).

CONG says the unit is deploying to the Middle East in support of Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), an international peacekeeping force that supervises the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty and enforces its terms.

MFO is an independent international organization created by agreement between Egypt and Israel to oversee the peace and is supported by 14 nations, says CONG.

The unit's task will consist of "conducting reconnaissance patrols, staffing observation posts, and helping to facilitate base operations," according to officials.

"The Soldiers of this battalion are highly trained, motivated, and ready to assume the mission of the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai,” said 1-157th Commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Adam W. Rhum. “We are proud to be part of this long-standing and successful peacekeeping operation, and we are committed to upholding the legacy of those who have served before us in support of the treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel."

According to CONG, the Egypt-Israel treaty resulted from the Camp David Accords and ended the state of war between the two countries.

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