Armed Forces are being praised for their contribution after the earthquake

Published: Monday, 30 December 2019 10:16

The outstanding contribution of the Armed Forces (AAF) immediately after the earthquake of November 26th was in the center of attention, not only by the heads of state but also by public opinion.

The senior leaders of the AAF thanked at a ceremony the staff engaged in search and rescue (SAR) operations and on the consequences faced of last month's earthquake.

Chief of the General Staff of the AAF Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku, Deputy Chief of GS Brigadier General Manushaqe Shehu and commanders of the forces, met men and women in uniform.

Chief of Staff Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku considered the earthquake of November 26th as a large-scale event, but also noted the readiness shown by the AAF. “The earthquake of November 26th was a severe strike and a major disaster for the whole country. It was an event out of human power to anticipate and prevent, but it was our obligation and responsibility to respond and act quickly, safely, and accurately. I believe that AAF were seen at the level of duty. Expressing consideration and respect for the role and contribution of all actors, factors, Albanians and foreigns, I believe that the intervention and involvement of the AAF was crucial and lifesaving.” - said Brigadier General Kollçaku, who also emphasized the need of getting lesson learned from that disaster. “The situation and the emergency of the recent earthquake was a difficult test for the capabilities, readiness and competence of the AAF. Certainly, we took notes and we will be getting lesson learned. However, the earthquake test was not just only for the AAF. I'm sure, all the actors in the country get lesson learned from this. We believe that it is in the common interest, in the national interest, that the lesson learned is to be considered, analyzed and evaluated jointly by all institutions involved in this emergency. Consolidation of the national integrated emergency capacity, including the summon of proper reserve military personnel, would be one of the most necessary and smart actions and would ensure that civil emergency operations would be more effective and at the minimum possible costs.”

Land Force Commander Brigadier General Albert Mullai emphasized the readiness and professionalism of the structures he leads, not only immediately after the earthquake but also afterwards. "As soon as we received the signal, the Land Force operated according to a well-planned, pre-prepared and tested plan in previous exercises. Land Force personnel showed tremendous commitment to this critical situation for the whole country. Land Force Battalions with self-abnegation and dedication, humanity and high professionalism, were intensely involved in SAR operations from the initial moment. The LT, as an integral part of the AAF, was engaged in SAR operations, camping and tents, in cooperation with foreign teams, in transporting humanitarian aids, saving every human life.”

Immediately after the tremors of the November 26 earthquake, the AAF summoned, and every officer was ready, while some of them were part of a 40-minute SAR operation that took people out of the wreckage.

In the first phase of SAR and the second phase of mitigation and rehabilitation, which is still ongoing, the AAF have engaged about 7,000 troops and about 2,000 military vehicles.