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7,000 km from France is Zaire. Former Belgian Congo.

Surrounded to the West by Angola and by Zambia in the South.

Independent since 1960,

Zaire is five times the size of France.

Capital: Kinshasa.

1,500 km to the South, in the "copper belt",

is one of the biggest mines: Kolwezi.

TO THE 11 FRENCH SOLDIERS, TO THE 700 AFRICAN AND WESTERN CIVILIANS

KILLED IN KOLWEZI.

KOLWEZI FRIDAY MAY 12TH 1978

Don't worry, you'll get used to it!

Oh, Delbart!

Do you want extra work for your last day?

The time is the time! No more, no less!

Think again! He is not a former stationmaster!

He's an ex-soldier! Climb up!

I didn't do my military service, you know.

The military isn't my thing anyway.

- Hi. - Hi!

Have you ever driven one?

Yes, in management training in Lubumbashi, but not so big.

Same thing, except that this one takes 10 tons each time

so inevitably, when you tip, it's a little shaky.

Have you been here long?

Kolwezi, today, Lubumbashi, one month.

Let's go...

- Where are you from? - Sarreguemines.

- Isn't there any work in Lorraine? - I was an industrial designer over there.

Unemployed for a year...

Of course, it's a good reason to come here.

And I'm single so they put me up at the hotel.

- Bye, good luck. - Bye.

I forgot, about the greasing,

check it yourself, because here it's a palaver.

It's Africa, eh!

Come to Debruyn's, tonight. We'll celebrate my leaving.

- We'll also celebrate your arrival. - All right.

Good evening.

My name is Damrémont, Philippe Damrémont.

I was invited my Mr. Delbart. Could you...

Could you tell them I'm here, please?

- I'll tell Madame. - Thanks.

You're welcome.

Shall I take one? Thanks.

- Hi. - Hi.

There's a really bad signal tonight!

- I hope it's not like that tomorrow! - Because of the cup final?

- Who's your favourite? - I'm from Lorraine, so...

I see! I'm betting on Nice. But with Platini, Nancy has a chance!

I hope so.

- Good evening, I'm Annie Debruyn. - Good evening.

Don't stay here. Come in, we were waiting for you.

Hey, don't stay here with your head in the radio all night.

I'm coming, Mum!

- You don't know everybody. - No, I don't think so.

I'll introduce you.

- Mr. Declerc, Mr. Damrémont. - Pleased to meet you.

- Likewise. - You replace Delbart?

- That's right. - Well done.

Come. It's very hot, isn't it?

We're too many for the climate. Won't you take off your jacket?

Thank you, I'm all right.

I'll introduce you to my husband. Darling?

- So you're the guy from Lorraine? - Yes, it's me.

- Here's Dr. Bia Kombo. - Ah!

Lorraine, Lorraine...

but what is Lorraine?

I hope you have your liberation front.

And don't say you're French,

it's out of fashion.

You're lucky to arrive this year.

Last year at the same time, we had Katanga on our backs.

We were scared, but it didn't go too bad in the end.

But the Zaireans confiscated our weapons ever since.

We can't even go hunting.

Our engineer Mike Augey and his wife Lindel.

- Mad Americans... - Says a Belgian!

- Hi. - Good evening.

- What do you think? - What, the mine? It's good.

I don't care about the mine. I'm talking about my dancing.

Very good too.

You don't know anything about it! He dances terribly!

- You want some champagne or red wine? - I'd prefer a beer.

What do you know about the country?

Well... not much.

It's not complicated.

Here, it's Katanga.

They call it Shaba now, but...

it doesn't change anything to the problem.

The Zaireans, from the North, have always hated people here,

the Katangese, because they're not the same ethnicity.

So the Katangese rebelled

and the most aggressive are hiding in Angola or Zambia,

in case the Russians or Cubans would give them a hand.

As for us, we're just doing our job.

By the way...

What do you think of Armande?

Armande?

Oh yes, I forgot to tell you, Armande is my digger.

- Really? - Well, yours now.

I bet he's bothering you again with his "Armande".

- Yes. - Élodie, my wife.

You should dance instead.

Go on, she's a top dancer.

- Listen, I'm not very good at it. - What?

- Dancing. - Oh...

Who is it?

- The company's doctor. - No, the girl.

Ah! Angélique?

She's my sister. Come, I'll introduce you.

Angélique? Mr. Damrémont.

- Good evening, nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

I'm sorry, I was a bit stupid earlier.

Oh, it doesn't matter.

I did some manual work to pay for my studies, you know.

It's actually well-considered now: "Honour to manual work!"

Angélique? Excuse-me.

Did you find someone to take you back?

- Would you like me to accompany you? - Yes, all right.

- Before Saint- - Michel, the metro suddenly stopped to a halt.

I fell onto an old lady.

When the granny saw I was black, she started screaming,

"You savage! Is that how you treat women in your countries?"

I showed all my teeth and said,

"In our countries, little ladies like you,

"we eat them, Madam!"

Bia likes to play the negro. It's his way to get rid of his complexes.

Where do you live?

Here.

It's the black paradise.

I have my school, my pupils and I live here.

All this is quite natural, you know.

- Who are they? - They're the FAZ. Zairean soldiers.

- What do they want? - Give them some money.

They probably didn't get their pay.

Thank you, boss!

Shall I to see you to your door?

You could get lost on the way back.

Goodbye, then. My name is Philippe.

Thanks, Philippe. I'm Angélique.

Yes, I know...

- Goodbye. - Bye.

Yes, we hear them from here.

It must be a few Zaireans having a party.

You bet!

If it was the FAZ, they would do a hell of a party.

Hang on, I'll have a look.

No doubt, pal.

It's the Katangese.

The Tigers, yes. They're everywhere.

Well, I'm going to try to go to work.

I doubt that at the mine, they know what's happening in town.

Don't worry, I'll be careful.

Can you take the car out for me, please?

It's better that you know where it is.

Think of Delbart.

He must be in a foul mood.

Shit! Bollocks!

These bastards have already cut the phone.

It's coming from the airport.

Couldn't they wait 24 hours before starting their mess?

Don't be upset, Pierre.

You weren't that sure to be leaving today with "Air Maybe".

With "Air Maybe", we had a chance. Now it's "Air Nothing"!

Now we look silly!

With all our stuff in boxes and nothing to eat.

- What a mess! - Go on, you're dying to say it.

Well, yeah.

We're in a black hole.

That's a car from the military Mission.

It the chief of Mission's car.

Colonel Grasser? What are you doing here?

Good day, Mr. Ambassador. Hello, Chamfort.

Did you forget that we were supposed to travel with the citizen president?

It was cancelled at the last minute.

I heard about it half an hour ago. That's why I was waiting for you.

What's going on?

Some planes were destroyed at dawn at the Kolwezi aerodrome.

And rebel troops attacked the city's garrisons.

Where did you get this information?

Through the Zairean air force.

Their detachment in Kolwezi could contact Kinshasa via radio.

Did you get other intel from the Zaire army general staff?

No, I can't get hold of General Namla.

Try to see him today.

What do you think?

It's hard to assess the rebel forces.

But if they could attack the airport and enter the city at the same time,

it means that they are substantial and well armed.

In that case, we shouldn't expect a long and organised resistance

by the Zairean forces.

I'll contact my Belgian and American counterparts

before calling Paris.

What do you want?

- We're Belgian citizens. - The boss!

He's not here.

Don't hide mercenaries and traitors.

No weapons, otherwise...

There aren't any weapons here.

Do you want to see our papers?

OK...

We walked a lot. Three days. We're hungry.

We're not thieves, we're liberators.

It didn't go that bad.

It could have been worse, if they had found this.

Why all this?

We were supposed to leave, catch a plane today.

- What's in there? - Guns and grenades!

What do you think there is? Our things.

Clothes, crockery.

Don't get angry, little sister.

And above all, don't hide any soldiers,

or mercenaries, OK?

Understood?

- Damien! - Stop, it's my kid!

Are you crazy?

So, no soldiers, huh?

I couldn't know he was here.

The garden has no fence, don't you see?

- You stepped on my car. - Little guy?

You didn't hide any soldiers either, huh?

That's good... Go.

Come on! Let's take the body.

What was the kid doing in the garden with those guys?

What, you want me to tie him up?

- Where are you going again? - Oh, shit!

Give it to me!

This kid is incredible! Come on!

You're crazy, Pierre, the door is still open.

What are you going to do with this?

It can always be useful. It's loaded.

They can also come back for it.

- Where did you come from? - A friend drove me. Come help me.

- What's this? - The electricity is cut off.

Shit...

This is as heavy as a dead donkey. What is it?

Rice!

I know, this is no food for Europeans.

But you'll be happy to find it since we have nothing else.

- Can I go through? - Yes...

Get down in the hall.

The hotel is evacuated.

Leave your things.

Don't take anything.

Quick, get out!

Get down in the hall.

What do these morons want? I haven't finished my meal.

Fall in!

Despite a few pockets of resistance, we can consider this Sunday morning

that Kolwezi has fallen, Mr. Ambassador.

Part of the Zairean army retreats to the North.

They don't seem able to reorganise themselves and take back the city.

It's still difficult to assess the importance of rebel forces,

but their leadership seems competent and efficient.

I'm afraid you were right.

The operation is vast.

Mr. Ambassador, I think

we shouldn't leave the rebels set up in Kolwezi.

Otherwise, the 3,000 Europeans living in the city will quickly become hostages.

I know.

We have to wait for Paris' decision.

- Good morning, Sirs. - Nothing from Kolwezi?

No, nothing, Mr. Ambassador.

Nancy, after a goal by Platini,

has defeated Nice in the football France Cup final

and the weather sounds promising...

I doubt the French public is prepared for an intervention of our troops.

Even to save civilians.

I'll be back at midday and I'll call the President.

They don't seem to be joking.

There's no reason why they should bother us.

We don't have anything to do with it.

- You know I love you? - I know.

Yet you're not my type.

You look like a little soldier like this.

All experiences are interesting.

Remember what we were doing in New York,

during the power cut because there was no TV?

What, in the middle of the day?

I'll be right back.

Mercenaries! Fire!

Lindel! Lindel!

Lindel! Lindel!

- - - Greetings, General. - Hello, Colonel.

This attack is no surprise for us.

We have known the details of plan Colombe for weeks.

"Colombe"?

"Chicapa" in Cuban.

Our president informed the Soviet ambassador 48 hours ago

that we knew about this invasion plan.

But we didn't expect it to be implemented before June.

What's your troops status?

Rest assured, Colonel,

we control the situation in Shaba, in particular in Kolwezi.

Our forces are resisting everywhere

and all European nationals are under their protection.

Car!

I don't have a car.

My husband has it.

You!

Come and repair the car.

OK, but I'm no expert.

Quick!

What does he want, Mrs. Debruyn?

Their car has broken down.

Ah OK.

It's screwed. A cable is broken.

You!

Your car!

It's not working, it's broken. Check it yourself.

Give me the part that you removed.

What part? I'm telling you it's broken.

Put it back.

Please, do as he says.

I said, quick.

Were the three messages I sent yesterday received?

They were. And I can tell you

that the President is studying this affair personally.

Please tell the President

that it's a vast military operation

with the objective to conquer the Shaba province.

In Kolwezi, despite small pockets of resistance,

the city is occupied by thousands of men in uniforms.

From now on, the 3,000 Europeans living there

may be considered as hostages in the hands of rebels.

What do you suggest?

I'm passing the phone to Colonel Grasser.

It's possible to reestablish the situation by an airborne operation.

Three paratroopers companies sent without delay would suffice.

Pierre Delbart?

Is that you?

- Yes. - Follow us.

- Where? - At the tribunal.

- What's that about? - Don't meddle, little sister.

Follow us.

No, Pierre, don't go.

Look, I don't have a choice. Don't worry, it's probably some bullshit.

- Then I'm coming with you. - Stay here and look after the kid, OK?

- Don't worry, I'll be back for dinner. - Let's go!

They're arming their followers. These guys are civilians from Kolwezi.

There's been a development.

I wanted to inform you before going home.

I'm just back from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Zairean government is officially appealing to international aid.

- What kind of aid? - "Aid of any nature."

At last.

It's Chamfort.

I asked him to go and sound out the Belgians and join us here.

Without this request from the Zaireans, nothing was possible.

It would be decisive that the Belgians agree to take part to an operation.

They are firmly against any kind of intervention for the moment.

They want to negotiate the evacuation of Europeans with the Red Cross.

It won't work.

And rebels will save time.

- Take him! - It's not true.

I didn't do anything, let me go.

I'm innocent! Let me go!

- Do you work at the mine? - Yes.

Contact the economy collaboration.

Quiet!

- I protest! - Shut up!

Come.

It's him.

- You are Delbart? - Yes.

You are accused of complicity

with the exploiters of the people's riches.

What does that mean? You're crazy!

You know very well that it's false.

I work as a driver at the mining company.

I'm a worker, nothing else.

Shut up! You're an exploiter!

And for that motive, the court sentences you to death.

Your court is a circus! This is an assassination!

Why do you let them do that?

If you were in power in this country, you would need guys like me.

Enough! The sentence is enforceable immediately.

- Take him. - Come on!

Major.

Do you know the comrade next to the officer over there?

Seiko. He used to work at the mine.

I trained him.

Come.

Do you think I'm scared?

Fire!

Come on! You can go home.

Poor guy.

What are you going to do with it?

They nearly got me once, not twice.

If I have to die, I'll kill a few of them first.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Do you think I'm an exploiter or a racist too?

Who's talking about that?

All right.

I've been living in Africa for 15 years.

And it wasn't just for work.

I liked it here.

And I loved African people.

Today, I'm fed up with their madness.

Their savagery.

Yes, I know, I'm talking bullshit.

But it's true I was really scared.

Like I never had been in my life.

KINSHASA TUESDAY MAY 16TH

The Belgians in Kolwezi ask Brussels for an airborne operation.

Ah.

I sent a message to the Élysée.

I confirm that only an airborne operation on Kolwezi,

as soon as possible, could unblock the situation

and save what can still be saved.

- I also indicate that a Franco- - Belgian operation with support from Zaire

seems advisable to us.

Personally, I already advised General Namla

to fly Major Mahele's paratroopers battalion to Lubumbashi.

And engage them on the road to Kolwezi.

Listen to me, Annie!

It's dangerous around here with these armed civilians.

We're going to take refuge at Van de Velde's.

Come with us. I'm asking you one more time.

What if Marcel came back?

Even if he wanted to, I don't think he could.

Your son is right.

The Zairean PC is right in front of there and it's still resisting.

I hope they'll send helicopters, they promised to evacuate Europeans.

I packed up what we need, Mum. I think we should go.

I know someone's in for God sake!

I'm French, open up!

I don't know where to go, I just arrived in town.

Don't insist, we're not opening to anybody.

Open the door, I don't know where to go!

Go away!

It's nothing serious, Madam. Just a heatstroke.

- Hey, mate. - Hey.

How long are we going to stay here?

You promised to evacuate us.

- Calm down! - Where are the helicopters?

Calm down! As long as our PC holds, you're safe.

You're safe under our protection.

Be patient, trust us. We won't abandon you.

Where are you going, doctor?

I was called here to examine a child.

Now I have to go back to the hospital.

On the contrary, stay here. These people may need you.

You don't believe in this evacuation, do you?

The helicopters won't come, we know it,

but there's no need to take away this hope.

All right, I'm staying.

Do you think we have a chance to be saved?

You, Europeans, maybe.

After all, your soldiers are only 8,000 km away from here.

But me, I'm in my country.

The soldiers across the street are mine

and I'm Katangese as the rebels.

So I'm wondering who will save me.

Let's count on Divine Providence, Annie, and mostly on ourselves.

We're in front of a fire and we're asking who's going to hold the extinguisher.

All right, General. Keep me posted.

If we don't do anything, we'll be accused of failure to assist.

Yes, General, in mortal danger.

Good day, General.

The 311th Zairean paratroopers unit has jumped near Kolwezi.

Without management, they're heading for disaster!

They didn't attain their objective.

They jumped everywhere except on the aerodrome.

They're on the loose 20 km away from Kolwezi.

And Major Mahele?

He's following the plan you advised.

He left from Lubumbashi with his battalion

and he's reached the Lualaba bridge.

I'll have a look.

Here they are, look!

They're probably coming for us!

But we didn't see the helicopters!

The helicopters arrived, they're coming for us!

Come back! Don't get out!

They're Katangese!

- Bia, I have this! - What for? Come on!

Come on!

Come.

The gun, quick!

Georges, close the grid.

Come! They'll kill you too!

Are you hurt?

Are you hurt, Annie?

I... It's nothing.

Really, Georges, it's nothing.

Try to turn round.

I have to see.

The bullet didn't enter, it grazed you.

But you must have a broken rib.

Shit! I lost my medical bag downstairs. If I could...

It's OK...

Don't worry about me.

Mahele and his men have taken the Kolwezi aerodrome.

- That could change our plans? - Certainly not.

The aerodrome is over 5 km away from the city.

If our paratroopers jump there, their progression will be long and hard,

leaving the rebels time to retaliate on Europeans

or retreat taking hostages with them.

More than ever, we have to jump in the heart of the city.

Where most Europeans live.

The risk is that paratroopers land on buildings, trees, fences...

Yes, we'll place them in a tricky situation.

Do you think the hostages aren't in a tricky situation?

- For you, Colonel. - I understand your reluctance.

There's one tactical jump: to land on the hornet nest.

The Ambassador...

Some paratroopers units in France may have been put on alert since 10 AM.

Rejoin your companies quickly, we're on alert.

Be good, OK? Capito?

Frederico, this alert, you think it's serious this time?

Possibly. We're prepared for that, you know.

Yes, of course.

But I'll call you if we're leaving.

If it's just an exercise, I'll be home tomorrow.

- All right. - Go.

FRENCH REPUBLIC 2ND FOREIGN PARACHUTE REGIMENT

Yes, General.

I think I can gather all my elements in time.

One section is at the commando training in Montlouis and must be flown back.

Understood, General. Good day.

Some of my legionnaires are doing drills in the mountains.

It would be safer to bring them back by helicopter.

I'm counting on you, thanks.

Within two hours, I'll have all my men back, Colonel.

Good, the alert is confirmed.

- Where is it? - I don't know.

In the meantime, we keep the machine under pressure.

Attention!

Section ready, Captain.

- Put them at ease. - At ease!

Kit divided in two parcels.

Kit B in the vehicle for the planes' second rotation.

Following your orders, Captain.

Weapons?

Checked, Captain.

Murat, Captain. Back from Castelnaudary.

Ah! Successful platoon apparently, Murat.

- Congratulations. - Thank you, Captain.

I propose that Caporal Murat joins the group leaders, Captain.

He's a good shot.

- Leave him at the FR-F1. - Yes, sir.

Attention!

At ease!

This alert isn't a joke?

The Colonel didn't tell me anything personally.

Tell me, did you screw some pretty girls over there?

- You bet! - Shit, tell me about it!

You dream about it, don't you?

Right... You didn't fuck.

Where could they send us, Chief Warrant Officer?

There are plenty of quiet spots.

Chad, Mauritania, Lebanon, Zaire. I must forget a few.

Zaire? It's too far.

You imagine doing 8,000 km on a plane?

Not really. I get sick on planes.

What a fool!

Why did you chose paratroopers then?

To jump!

Even if they're not far, they must be asleep.

We can't hear them anyway.

Don't go, I can wait.

I need my bag, Annie.

There's everything I need for first care in it.

Bia...

Georges?

You'll be OK now, Annie. I've got it.

But I can't do anything now.

We have to wait for the day.

It doesn't matter, I can wait.

You've seen, haven't you?

How is it possible?

You must know.

- They are... - My brothers? Yes, Annie.

Injustice creates madness everywhere in the world.

But in Africa, rebellion is almost always

victory and massacre,

or escape, when any hope of victory is gone.

Four hours.

What do you mean, four hours? It's 10:30 p.m.

No, four hours to reach Solenzara.

Ah, yes.

Without these security issues, we would have left from Bastia.

Yes, listening?

No, Colonel, still nothing.

Yes, we're waiting.

KINSHASA THURSDAY MAY 18TH

Berthier here.

I'll put you through to the Élysée, Mr Ambassador, hold on.

- - - Mr Ambassador? - I'm listening.

I inform you that the President of the Republic

has just informed the Zairean head of state that following his request,

an airborne operation will be launched by France in Kolwezi.

Thank you.

Grasser here.

Army Operational Center in Paris speaking.

I inform you officially

that an airborne operation in Kolwezi has been decided.

Send us the tactical plan via telex.

- - - As well as the anticipated date. - I'll send it during the night.

You are now in command of this operation.

I assign you the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment.

Received. The operation will be called "Leopard".

Everybody, attention!

The whole regiment is gathered. Ready to board.

Yes, sir.

Unit commanders, proceed to boarding.

Third company on my command.

Board by section.

Second section, board now.

You'd better stay with us.

Thanks, but I'd like to try and find my friends,

to know what happened to them. Thanks anyway.

Thanks for everything. Goodbye.

Goodbye. Good luck!

Maybe something will happen. They can't abandon us like that.

I hope so. Goodbye, good luck.

Stop!

ID papers.

I just arrived to Kolwezi.

I work at the mining company.

Lier!

- You're a French mercenary. - What are you saying? I...

Shut up!

You're a mercenary. You're all mercenaries!

- I'm a worker. - Go!

I said, go!

Turn around and go.

- Now turn around. - No way!

I won't turn around.

Why?

You won't have the courage to shoot a man

who's looking at you in the eye.

Go home.

Section, attention!

One step to the left. Left!

The last men of every column will be on fatigue duty.

Right about face!

From the back, leave the bundles.

All the planes aren't here yet.

Let them eat and put weapons in the sheaths.

This boarding will be a mess!

If you want to eat, now is the time.

You're not eating?

- Stop your bullshit! - You'll throw up anyway.

On an empty stomach, it's worse.

Leave me alone!

Gentlemen, your destination is Zaire.

You will jump on Kolwezi.

You will have to rescue 3,000 Europeans

of all nationalities

currently held hostages under the threat of being exterminated.

The President of the Republic himself entrusts you with this mission.

Georges...

Stop me from shouting.

Hang on. It won't be long.

That's it, it's over, Annie.

In a few minutes, you'll feel better.

Colonel? The general staff in Paris.

Grasser here.

We have received your communication setting the operation on Saturday.

It's too late.

It has to happen tomorrow Friday at dawn.

Tomorrow at dawn?

- Out of question! - - - Yes! At dawn!

We are struggling to make the operation happen on Saturday

in the best possible conditions.

Bringing it forward would just increase the risks we're already facing.

And as far as I know, the paratroopers haven't left Solenzara yet.

That will happen any moment now.

At best, the regiment will reach Kinshasa during the night.

How can we transfer the men within a few hours

and board them on Zairean planes?

And Kolwezi is 1,500 km from Kinshasa!

- Four hours flight! - - - All right.

- - - I will pass on your reservations. - Please do!

Paris are now getting the bit between their teeth.

They may have good reasons to want to accelerate but I'd like to know them.

Zairean forces general staff calling Colonel Grasser.

Chamfort listening.

I have important information to communicate.

Our intelligence services have intercepted and decoded

a message from Angola.

As you can see, it is signed Mbumba, General Lieutenant of rebel forces.

It's addressed to Major Mufu, Chief of Katangese troops in Kolwezi.

Are you certain it's authentic?

Unfortunately, yes.

Can I count on your planes, at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow?

Of course.

General.

Chamfort, Golf Romeo.

I just left Namla, I have news.

Try to reach urgently Colonel Deval from the air force

to get Mirage support tomorrow.

Warn the Ambassador that I'm picking him up immediately.

Over.

What's going on?

The Katangese have been informed by radios of an imminent operation on Kolwezi.

They're about to evacuate the city sabotaging mining installations.

They also received the order to execute all their prisoners.

The Katangese are not bluffing.

Paris is obviously right.

We'll jump on Kolwezi tomorrow, Friday.

Deval can't possibly give us air support tomorrow.

The two Mirages we need are ready, but they're out of ammunition.

They're hoping to get some on Friday night.

We'll jump without air support.

Inform Paris.

We'll reach the jump area from the West.

Column formation, stacked up.

We'll drop at 200 meters.

Dufraisse from Golf Romeo.

Is the Colonel commanding the 2nd REP on this plane?

Very good. Tell Chamfort to come and join us here

with the elements that already arrived.

Any news from the other planes?

The next plane is scheduled to arrive around two 2 a.m.

I don't have exact data for the other ones.

Stay at the control tower and keep me posted.

Yes, Colonel.

- Glad to see you. - When do we jump?

This morning, at 12 a.m. Take off scheduled at 8 a.m.

Unfortunately, your regiment will have to jump in two waves.

The other planes will probably arrive too late.

I'll have Air Zaire DC-10s transport

the rest of your regiment on an airfield near Kolwezi.

- That will save us some time. - Perfect.

There is a drawback.

The medical unit is in the last plane.

Too bad, we'll jump without a medical unit.

Will we get Mirage support?

No, you'll have to do without it too.

It doesn't matter.

The chaplain is here, he can say a few prayers.

Well, we still have parachutes.

You can distribute them now.

Four!

Five!

Six!

Seven!

Eight!

Nine!

Ten!

- Eleven! - Attention!

Chief Warrant Officer!

What is this?

Shit! American ones.

It doesn't matter. A parachute is a parachute.

And Americans aren't more stupid than us.

Look how it unfastens.

- Why didn't we take ours? - We would have carried too much weight.

And stop moaning!

- Twenty-nine! - Thirty!

- Thirty-one! - Thirty-two!

- 33! - 34!

Chief Warrant Officer!

There's nothing to attach weapons and cases!

They'll us to hold them between our teeth, you'll see.

Shut up! Listen...

With some wire and string, you'll knock up something

to attach weapons and cases, OK?

On the double!

These Yankees are lucky. They jump while smoking a cigar.

In short,

for the drop, we have five Zairean planes

plus a French Transall that we'll use as a command post.

The planes will probably have a hard time finding the jump area.

I didn't have time to ask the rebels to mark it out.

May I remind you that Kolwezi has an altitude of 1,500 metres.

The jump itself may thus be difficult and imprecise.

The planes will drop from 200 meters

It will minimise risks for the men.

The first objectives must be attained quickly.

Even if that means losses.

We have to force the rebels to face us and save their skin

before they have time to deal with the hostages.

I also demand a very strict fire discipline

to avoid the risk of civilian losses.

Gentlemen, the time has come.

Squeeze! Stand up!

Help your comrades!

Go for a piss and gear up! Quick!

Leave everything and go for a piss.

Come on! The last one is a dickhead!

Come, hurry up!

Merlin!

Office of the military attaché.

- - - General Gaveau speaking. - Good day, General.

Do you know if the 2nd REP already took off?

It's 8 a.m., they should have taken off but I don't have any further information.

If the operation hasn't started, let them know it's delayed.

I'll inform Colonel Grasser immediately if it's not too late.

- Lefrais? - Yes, Captain?

Stay on call, I'm rushing to the airport.

Understood, Captain.

Colonel! A message for you!

From the COA. The operation is delayed.

Stop the engines!

- The operation is delayed. - What do you mean?

I don't know more.

It may leave time for your medical unit to arrive.

The men should get off and wait in the hangars.

I prefer to wait near the planes. We never know.

All right.

I'm rushing to the Embassy to call Paris.

Do you know where my wife and son are?

No, I don't know.

I had a hard time coming here, you know.

I hope they weren't here when it happened.

I ran away from the mine.

The rebels are starting to panic and want to blow everything.

For God's sake... where are they?

At the Delbarts, maybe.

Impossible, it's on the other side of town!

You are looters, I'm arresting you.

You are the looters! This is my house!

You, get out!

Leave him to us! We'll kill him!

- We'll kill him. - Leave him to us!

Leave him to us!

Fall in!

Yes, I... Come in!

Of course.

I'll inform him.

What's going on, Mr. Ambassador?

Don't worry, I just spoke with the Élysée.

The President thought that the airdrop was happening now.

He personally maintains the operation.

You'll receive a confirmation telex.

What does it mean?

I'm calling the general staff.

There must be some manoeuvre somewhere.

I heard that Belgian paratroopers are landing tonight in Kamina.

They had the order to evacuate Europeans from Kolwezi

without taking part to any military activity.

How can you evacuate the city without firing a shot?

Are they hoping that the Katangese will let them?

It's allegedly not to interfere with French troops.

Insane!

A mixed operation was possible!

Now it's too late.

Colonel Grasser, in Kinshasa! What's this mess?

This is the Military Chief of Staff. Take off immediately.

- What are they going to do with us? - Shoot us.

Here's the Luala river.

We should reach Kolwezi within one hour.

Kolwezi.

Going to the right.

It sounds like a plane

No, there are several planes!

We've just missed the jump area.

Now they know we're coming!

- It sounds like they're leaving. - What?

The planes are leaving? It's not possible!

Again! You thief!

Did you see what's happening outside?

If the soldiers leave, they'll kill us all.

That's how it happens in every country.

If we want to save our skin, we must stay here!

Even if we have to fight.

Planes...

Planes!

Did you hear? There are planes, I'm telling you!

It's them, Mum! It will be over soon. We'll be rescued!

In position.

Go! 2,

3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8,

9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,

15, 16, 17, 18, 19,

20, 21, 22, 23...

Shit! Where's the PP-13?

- Where's Meunier? - In the tree, Chief Warrant Officer!

Get down quick! You'll get shot up there!

- Forward! - Forward!

Come on!

Push! Push the door to block the latches!

Push! Push!

Understood. You report many civilians bodies.

Section complete.

We are under fire. They're hiding in a house.

Do you need help?

No, we'll manage!

We're not going to take root here!

- How many are they? - Three!

Niokolo, shoot the grenade!

Assault!

Look! I nearly got my balls roasted up there!

Blue, from Blue two.

We have two armoured vehicles, the anti-tank unit isn't here. What do we do?

Wait for Blue three, they have the material.

- Blue three listening. - - - Where are you?

Finished! They were three. We're going to the police station.

Careful, Blue two is blocked by two tanks, with no rocket launcher.

- - - Rejoin. - We're going. Over.

Siburg? Siburg?

Get ready, two armoured vehicles are waiting for you.

Two?

I can't do it anymore, replace me!

Come on, guys! Don't let them in!

Don't let them in for God's sake! Don't let them in!

Come on, guys! The paratroopers are coming!

Murat, come here!

On the terrace, up there.

- So? - He's hiding.

Smith! Try to entertain him!

Careful!

Our security, Murat!

Hurry up!

This guy wasted enough of our time. Come on!

- What happened with you? - Nothing! Lay off me!

Careful! The army, come quick!

Fuck, they left.

They left.

- That's it, they left. - Really?

- Is it true? - Stay here!

Lay down!

Halt!

Siburg! Niokolo, get ready!

Blue two, from Blue three.

- Blue two, listen. - We're in front.

- - - Let's take the tanks from the back. - OK.

Siburg, choose one. We'll get the other one with grenades.

Attack!

I had two wounded men. And you, any casualties?

One dead. Marcos.

Come to the police station with us. Come on!

Careful, grenade!

Come on, let's go!

Chief Warrant Officer!

There are people in there, I hear voices.

Lieutenant!

- French Army! - Don't shoot, we're prisoners!

Come out with your hands up.

You can lower your arms.

Go on!

Go on, go on.

- Vernet! - Chief Warrant Officer?

Check if there are wounded people.

Come.

Come on.

- You have a bandage? - In my right pocket.

Give it to him.

Let's go!

Blue, from Blue two!

- Blue, listen. - - - Blue two and Blue three.

Objective attained.

Who's singing?

The prisoners we've just freed from the police station

We arrived just on time, they were about to get killed.

Congratulations, but don't let it soften you.

Blue two stays to evacuate survivors.

Blue three continues on Bravo, next objective. Over.

It's not the 14th of July, lady!

Stay home! It's dangerous outside!

Thank you!

- Long live France! - Long live France...

"Long live France", OK...

But "long live the French", I'm Italian...

- Cover Murat. - Good catch.

I have a feeling that they didn't wait for us here.

God.

Niokolo, take some men and search the hotel.

Blue from Blue three.

Bravo objective achieved. No resistance.

The guys cleared off.

- They left a present behind. - - - Speak clearly, Blue three.

Clearly, there's a pile of bodies.

All black people.

Don't ask me how many.

I haven't counted yet.

Anyhow, the hotel is empty.

Careful, Captain!

This way, Captain.

You may go out, there's no danger now.

Thank you. Sorry, ladies.

Go through the garden, you can attack from the rear.

This way!

You're a good shot for a civilian.

Well!

For once the Legion appreciates the Navy.

Take it, it will be more efficient than your gun.

Thank you, old boy.

Did you kill one, Daddy?

No, I missed him.

He missed, Mummy.

The civilians are starting to get restless, mostly Europeans,

despite our advice to stay home.

Careful with mistakes then!

Only fire if you're certain. Over and out.

Bia! Why didn't they come here?

The paratroopers are here, I'm sure. We heard them fighting.

Yes, it's certain, they're here.

But they won't liberate the city in just a few hours.

- We must be on the wrong side, that's it. - I can't take it anymore!

Think of your mother, Georges. It's terrible for her.

Annie, I have two pills left. Do you want them now?

No. I can wait.

- Bia? - Georges.

Give me you hand.

Try to sleep.

You're not on guard duty, so take a rest.

Don't worry.

I understand what you felt.

Shoot a man with a FR-F1, it's a bit like...

But you had to.

You had to do it.

I've learnt all this but I didn't think it would be that difficult.

It might also have been for the opponent.

Yet he killed Marcos.

We're here to do it...

But war is stupid.

I'd rather give up the FR-F1, I'll never get used to it.

Nobody asks you to get used to it, but to do what you have to!

A car, over there.

Careful with mistakes. Only shoot if you're certain.

No, let it come closer.

Go! Order them to stop.

Halt! French Army!

Fire!

Chief Warrant Officer!

Blue three listening.

Blue three, are you shooting?

Affirmative.

Four guys in a car. We got them.

Any losses?

One with minor injuries. Over and out.

You're OK, mate. No broken bones.

With the headlights, they should have seen you are like them.

You're the one not seeing properly.

I'm not black. I'm a legionnaire.

We'll evacuate you to the medical unit.

- It's nothing! - Obey, legionnaire.

Murat, deal with it, OK?

Colonel Grasser here, I just landed

on the Kolwezi aerodrome still controlled by Mahele.

The Belgians are coming. They'll enter Kolwezi.

They're still fighting at various spots!

I'm going to see Maès, in charge of the Belgians.

The 2nd REP is deployed in Kolwezi.

You can't interfere with them.

I have formal orders. Here they are.

"Establish at the Kolwezi aerodrome

"a system for the evacuation of European nationals."

"Do not participate in any way in the current French military action."

Operation limited to 72 hours."

- 72 hours? - I'm sorry.

But these instructions are clear and I have to respect them.

It will create panic among the population!

We'll leave behind a ruined, looted city.

Let's agree on our zones of activity in order to avoid interference.

Go along the Manika area,

but don't get in. The cleansing is in progress.

These bastards are hidden well.

It won't be easy to drive them out.

Who are these guys over there?

Fuck, the Belgians!

They're going to the snipers' firing range.

Cover me, I'll try to intercept them.

Second section! Fire!

French Army!

Stop! French Army, I'm saying!

It's OK, guys. It's the Legion.

What the fuck are you doing here?

The area hasn't been cleansed yet.

Yeah, I can see that.

Excuse us, but we did what we could in two days.

If you though you could get in like a hot knife through butter,

you're coming too early.

Still as caustic, Maurois!

Oh my God, De Wrindt!

- What are you doing in this dump? - Didn't expect to see you here.

- I heard you did a good job. - We're trying to.

Let's get cover because we could catch a bullet.

- Make them move to the right. - To the right!

I heard you're in charge of evacuating Europeans?

- Yes, those who want to. - Yes, I know.

For now, Belgian penetration isn't too much of a problem.

Just one column has been stopped by snipers' shots...

- Blue is dealing with them. - Any news from Blue three?

For fuck's sake!

Chief Warrant Officer, do you hear me?

Talk, we'll see.

There are about a hundred guys in uniforms.

They're on the road, they have three trucks.

They're not Belgians?

I'm not blind.

Chief Warrant Officer, they're black.

They seem ready to move. What do I do?

Nothing. Don't shoot.

They may be Zaireans.

Hide up. We're waiting for Violet's guys.

I've run out of meds. I don't have anything left to help you, Annie.

I know.

I can resist.

If they don't arrive today, I'm going out, do you hear me?

Stay put. Calm down.

This time, it's them. It's them!

And it's for us.

They're coming right at us!

Your group, in the woods. The others, with me!

- Violet from Soleil. - - - Violet listening.

- He you met Blue three? - - - Not yet.

- - - We're 800 yards behind them. - OK, speed up.

Apparently, Blue three is up for hard stuff.

Prepare Camelia. Over and out.

- Violet from Blue three. - - - Violet listening. Talk, Blue three.

Three trucks with about a hundred rebels are coming towards us.

We're in ambush. We're staying on the edge.

They'll reach us anytime now.

We'd rather not stay alone for too long.

Where are you?

On the same road, behind you.

Give us your coordinates for mortar support.

785,

290.

We'll attack them as soon as they come out into the open.

They'll probably try to force their way through.

They're many for us. Then they'll be for you.

Here they are, do I shoot?

Affirmative!

Fire!

Chief Warrant Officer, Camelia.

Fall back! Mortars!

Camelia.

Further, 200, 50... Efficiency by eight.

Prepare for the attack!

Attack!

Blue three from Violet, talk.

Sergeant! The chief warrant officer is hit!

Talk, Blue three... talk, Blue three!

Chief warrant officer!

- - - Report. - Shit, he's dead.

Speak, Blue three. Speak, Blue three!

Blue three speaking.

One truck destroyed, 15 rebels killed.

We have one casualty: chief warrant officer Frederico. Over.

Search the building, beware of snipers.

Lieutenant! It's horrible in there!

Those who want to be evacuated, hurry up!

Leave my wife the time to take a suitcase at least!

Our orders are to evacuate Europeans only.

Are you mad? It's my wife, I'm not leaving without her.

And my son. Did you see my son?

According to your orders, I should abandon him here?

OK, the three of you climb up. And you?

Don't worry, you won't have a dilemma with me.

It's my country and I'm staying.

If I can, I'll come and say goodbye at the airport.

Take care of what's in the house, OK?

Because today, it's a disaster.

Kolwezi and its surroundings are under our control.

Good.

Our operation has saved many lives,

but this evacuation will turn Kolwezi into a dead city.

In a way, rebels have won too.

Delbart, are you leaving?

In my case, it was already planned, you know.

What about the others?

The others? They don't have another solution.

Take care, Sembé.

Bravo to the Legion!

Damrémont!

I'm happy to see you again, alive.

Yes, we got through.

Roger and his wife were killed.

What happened to you?

Debruyn is dead.

Oh, shit.

And Annie and Georges?

They're alive, they're at the airport.

I met Bia, he went to tell Annie.

And Angélique?

She's OK, you'll see her at the airport.

Poor Annie.

- Pierre! - Where are you going, little guy?

Let him go, you're scaring him!

Aren't you ashamed?

Forgive them, Bia.

I hope they forgive one day.

For Marcel, I promise you I'll do what's necessary.

Thank you.

Georges?

Try to watch over her.

At home in Belgium, you'll recover very fast.

Home was here.

Nearly.

I promise I'll try to forget everything.

But I don't want to forget you.

I'll try to find Pierre and elodie.

Let's go.

Pierre!

You forgot it.

- Ah! - It meant a lot to you.

It's not the only thing that meant a lot here.

See?

Come and see us in Aveyron, doc. We'll miss your bullshit.

I'll miss your big mouth.

- Are you hurt? - It's OK, nothing serious.

Get onboard!

We didn't have much time to get to know each other.

You know, Angélique, I'll come back.

Really? You want to come back?

I doubt I'll find work in France.

So I think that...

- Get onboard! - I understand.

Even if I find work, I'll come back, Angelique!

I'll come back, you understand?

Subtitle translation by: Valerie Le Guen