The Regional Assistance Mission's military contingent in Solomon Islands is conducting an investigation into events involving a platoon of Tongan soldiers on patrol in North Malaita.
A media release from RAMSI says the events in question took place after the soldiers had been involved in assisting in the arrest of several local youths who had been wanted by police for sometime.
Following this the soldiers had had rocks thrown on their camp, culminating in
a thwarted attempt to break into the camp.
RAMSI's Military Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Upjohn says after disturbing the intruders at their camp, the soldiers had recovered a bag containing a number of potentially lethal weapons.
He says the bag contained a small axe, a bush knife and sharpened metal stake,
but no firearms.
Lt.Col Upjohn says the commander on the ground reported the incident to the police, handed in the weapons and decided to conduct a patrol.
During the patrol the soldiers are alleged to have become embroiled in a brawl which resulted in several youths being hospitalised.
Lt.Colonel Upjohn says the RAMSI military is firm but fair and its members are subject to very strict rules of engagement and a disciplinary code.
He adds that the matter is under investigation and if any misconduct is found, then the appropriate action will be taken.
Colonel Upjohn says he is also awaiting the outcome of a seperate investigation being carried out by the Solomon Islands Police Force.
