AL KASRA- IRAQ - On 27–31 October 2024, NATO Mission Iraq’s
Ministerial Advisory Division organised a workshop on Military Support to Civil
Authorities for Emergencies and Natural Disasters, supported and conducted by a
Spanish Military Advisory Training Team from the Unidad Militar de Emergencias
(UME). The workshop took place at the Iraqi Engineering Support Department in
Al Kasra, near Baghdad. The event was chaired by the Iraqi Major General
Hussein Athab Salman, underscoring Iraq's commitment to enhancing its crisis
management capabilities.
The workshop aimed to deepen the understanding of Crisis and Disaster Management, equipping Iraqi officers and civil authorities with the knowledge needed to respond efficiently to both natural and man-made crises. The program also served as a platform to identify capabilities and resources available within Iraqi agencies that could support civil responses, assess crisis and disaster planning scenarios, and build a network between national and international partners.
The MATT collaborated closely with the Iraqi team to provide specialised course sessions, tailored to the unique needs of and circumstances in Iraq. Each day focused on a different theme, designed to build a comprehensive understanding of both Spanish and Iraqi disaster response models and to foster collaboration between military and civil emergency responders.
Images from the workshop conducted by the Spanish military Advisory Training Team, from the Unidad Militar de Emergencias.
The workshop began with an introduction to UME, covering its establishment, mission, organisational structure and core responsibilities. On day 2, the focus shifted to Spain’s comprehensive disaster management framework. The sessions detailed how Spain’s military and civil authorities coordinate to manage and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, providing the Iraqi participants with practical examples of inter-agency co-operation. Day 3 covered the Ministry of Defence’s capacities in supporting the Ministry of Interior during crises. Spanish officers discussed specific protocols, logistical resources, and coordination mechanisms that ensure a united response during large-scale emergencies, drawing parallels to potential applications within Iraq’s own defense and security structures. On day 4, the team addressed Iraq’s primary natural disaster risks, with a particular focus on earthquakes, floods, and extreme weather events. Spanish experts presented risk assessment techniques and strategies for enhancing community resilience. The final day centered on urban search and rescue operations. Participants explored best practices in locating, rescuing, and providing medical aid to victims trapped in collapsed buildings or other hazardous environments.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the participants’ achievements. Leaders from various Iraqi military and civil units, alongside international representatives, acknowledged the progress made in enhancing Iraq’s preparedness for emergencies. The ceremony marked the success of the collaborative effort between NATO, Iraq and Spain, setting a strong foundation for ongoing partnerships in disaster response and crisis management.