Siege of Jadotville

The siege of Jadotville ([ʒa.do.vil]) was a major battle during the Congo Crisis, that began on 13 September 1961 and lasted for five days. A small contingent of the Irish Army's 35th Battalion serving under the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC), designated "A" Company, was besieged at the UN base near the mining town of Jadotville (modern-day Likasi) 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.

While sources vary on the number of casualties, some sources suggest that the Irish company inflicted several hundred casualties 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.