KATHMANDU, June 19: Nepal and the US have commenced bilateral special operations exercise "Balance Nail 17-3" at the Chhauni Barracks in Kathmandu on Monday.
According to a press statement issued by the Embassy of United States in Kathmandu, the Rangers from Nepal and US Special Operations Forces will train together to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster response emergencies in rural, mountainous areas.
"This training will also build the Nepal Army's ability to work side by side with government institutions, civilians, NGOs, and INGOs in the events of crises, whether at home in Nepal or when carrying out UN Peace-keeping Operations abroad," said the statement.
According to the statement, the US Mission to Nepal, in partnership with the Government of Nepal, also conducted a handover ceremony for a Regional Crisis Management Center (RCMC) on Monday.
"The RCMC will play an important part in maximizing the effectiveness of Nepal's disaster response capabilities, while exercises like "Balance Nail 17-3" will strengthen the ability of security forces to respond," the statement further said.
The US-funded RCMC, a $1.8 million facility constructed in Chhauni Barracks in Kathmandu, was developed through the cooperation of the US Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation and the World Food Program (WFP). The project directly supports Nepal's ability to coordinate during emergency situation through proper response as well as to facilitate communication with the National Emergency Operations Center, and provide assistance to the affected populations during both manmade and natural disasters.
The RCMC is a part of a larger network of infrastructure being constructed throughout the country to provide safe locations for relief efforts and food distribution. The project was completed with the assistance from the US Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters and Himalayan Builders.
Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE) kicks off
