During political instability in the former Belgian colony of the Republic of Congo, soldiers from the 1st Parachute Battalion (with an attached company from the 2nd Commando and elements of the 3rd Parachute Battalion) were sent to capture the airfield at Stanleyville.
In November 1964, 299 Belgian paratroopers, under Colonel Charles Laurent jumped on Simi-Simi Airport from USAF C-130 aircraft.

After securing the airfield, the paratroopers made their way to the Victoria Hotel, where several hundred (mostly Belgian) civilians were being held by Simba rebels.
Though 60 civilians were killed, Belgian paratroopers were still able to evacuate 1,800 Europeans and Americans, as well as 400 Congolese during the operation.
During political instability in the former Belgian colony of the Republic of Congo, soldiers from the 1st Parachute Battalion (with an attached company from the 2nd Commando and elements of the 3rd Parachute Battalion) were sent to capture the airfield at Stanleyville. In November 1964, 299 Belgian paratroopers, under Colonel Charles Laurent jumped on Simi-Simi Airport from USAF C-130 aircraft.
After securing the airfield, the paratroopers made their way to the Victoria Hotel, where several hundred (mostly Belgian) civilians were being held by Simba rebels. Though 60 civilians were killed, Belgian paratroopers were still able to evacuate 1,800 Europeans and Americans, as well as 400 Congolese during the operation.
1st Parachute Battalion (Belgium)