Ukranian and Nato troops deploy for anti-terror drill
Hundreds of troops and disaster relief teams from Ukraine, the United States and 10 other countries deployed field hospitals, rescue equipment and armoured vehicles today in Ukraine for the final phase of a Nato-sponsored anti-terrorism exercise.
The four-day drill in western Ukraine concluded with a mock terrorist attack on a chemical facility, gun battles with terrorists and rescue operations.
Troops parachuted out of helicopters, soldiers set off stun grenades and emergency crews fought a giant plume of fire and smoke.
Hosting the Joint Assistance 2005 manoeuvres is Ukraine’s latest effort in its bid to join Nato. The alliance has said its door remains open to the ex-Soviet republic, which shifted to a pro-Western course after last year’s Orange Revolution.
Several high-ranking Nato and Ukrainian defence and security officials were present to monitor the exercises taking place near Ukraine’s border with Nato-member Poland. The Nato-led Department for Emergency Situations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons were among the 1,000 personnel – including 250 Ukrainians – participating.
In addition to the 12 participating nations, some 30 countries sent observers.
Forces from France, Georgia, Latvia, Portugal and Ukraine took the lead in today’s exercises.
French soldiers wearing airtight rubber coveralls and gas masks combed through the dilapidated building being used to portray the attacked chemical facility. Swat teams seized black-clad terrorists, throwing them to the ground and handcuffing them, while Georgian rescue teams in bright orange helmets milled around inside.
Shrill sirens went off as a misty rain fell over the training grounds. Fire fighters hosed the rescue teams off in an attempt to counteract the toxins allegedly used by the terrorists. Emergency crews from multiple countries prepared to bring medical aide to the estimated 6,000 victims, according to the scenario.
Nato has stepped up co-operation with Ukraine, but has refused to speculate when the nation of 47 million could be considered ready for membership.
Nato says Kiev still has to prove its democratic credentials, fight corruption and modernise its bloated military.
