UK offers C-IED support to Pakistan

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has offered an enhanced three-year counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) support package to Pakistan, it announced on 5 August.

The offer was made by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon during a visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, where he met with senior military figures to discuss Pakistan’s critical role in tackling security threats facing the South Asia region.

The package will build on the UK’s C-IED package provided to the country in 2012-2015. It will renew support in locating and defusing IEDs and include virtual training on gathering and analysing forensic evidence at bomb scenes. 

Fallon said: ‘By sharing British Counter-IED expertise, we have already trained 5,000 Pakistanis to defuse these evil and dangerous devices. This new offer means thousands more could be trained, saving lives and preventing life changing injuries.

‘Our counter-IED work here is all part of our close partnership with Pakistan and our shared determination to fight terrorism. By working together, we will make our streets safer at home in the UK and here in Pakistan.’