The US and Nepal today began a special operations training exercise during which forces of the two countries will train together to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster response emergencies in rural, mountainous areas.
After the training exercise "Balance Nail 17-3" held at the Chhauni Barracks in Kathmandu, the American mission handed over a regional crisis management centre built by its assistance to the Nepal army.
The US funded Regional Crisis Management Centre (RCMC) is a USD 1.8 million facility, constructed in Kathmandu Valley, was developed through the cooperation of the US Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation - the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and the World Food Program (WFP), according to statement issued by the US Embassy.
"This government of Nepal and US Embassy project directly supports Nepal's ability to coordinate emergency response, facilitate communication with the National Emergency Operations Centre, and provide assistance to the affected populations during both manmade and natural disasters," the statement said.
The RCMC and warehouse are part of a larger network of infrastructure being constructed throughout the country to provide safe locations for relief efforts and food distribution, it said.
The project was completed with assistance from the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters and Himalayan Builders, it added.
The bilateral special operations training exercise "Balance Nail 17-3" was also held at the Chhauni Barracks here.
Bilateral training between the US Army Special Forces and the Nepal Mahabir Rangers has roots spanning over a decade.
During the "Balance Nail" exercises the rangers and US Special Operations forces 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 event of crises, whether at home in Nepal or when carrying out UN Peacekeeping Operations abroad.
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