The United Nations Operation in the Congo (French: Opération des Nations Unies au Congo) was a United Nations peacekeeping force which was deployed in the Republic of the Congo in 1960 in response to the Congo Crisis. The ONUC was the UN's first peacekeeping mission with significant military capability, and remains one of the largest UN operations in size and scope. The siege of Jadotville was a major battle during the Congo Crisis, that began on 13 September 1961, lasting for five days, where a small contingent of the Irish Army's 35th Battalion were besieged at the UN base near the mining town of Jadotville by Katangese forces loyal to the secessionist State of Katanga. The siege took place during the seven-day escalation of hostilities between ONUC and Katangese forces during Operation Morthor. Although the contingent of 156 Irish soldiers repelled several attacks by a larger force, they eventually surrendered to the Katangese forces after running out of ammunition and water. The Irish company inflicted approximately 1,300 casualties (including, according to some estimates, up to 300 killed) on the Katangese force, with no deaths amongst the Irish "A" Company. A relief column of approximately 500 Indian, Irish, and Swedish UN troops, sent to break the siege, was unsuccessful and suffered several casualties (including at least five killed). The captured Irish company was held as prisoners of war for approximately one month, before being released on 15 October as part of a prisoner exchange.
 
UNITED BRICKS PRINTED FIGURES
 
United Bricks custom printed collectable minifigures are printed on genuine brand new LEGO parts using a high quality UV printing method. They make the perfect gift or addition to a collection, and are a great way to learn history through building and creating scenes.
 
This Minifigure features a fully printed 360 torso, legs, along with a printed head. In addition it features a Custom Printed Beret and Brickarms NATO Battle Rifle.