Countering IEDs conference concludes in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 28th March, 2018 (WAM) -- The first conference of Lessons Learned Countering Improvised Explosives Devices, C-IED, concluded today in Abu Dhabi. Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Defence, MoD, in cooperation with the Joint IED Defeat Organisation, JIDO, USA, the conference saw the attendance of experts from countries like the United Kingdom, Unites States (JIDO), Saudi Arabia, France, Pakistan and the host country. They shared their experiences and knowledge against these dangerous devices and ways to take advantage of the technology in this regard. On the second day of the conference Major Franck Lopez, Deputy Commander of the IED Cell within the French Army HQ, presented a working paper on lessons learned from the fight against IEDs in Africa. Similarly, Lieutenant Colonel Rashid Hamid Kiani, Senior Instructor in Counter-IED Explosive and Ammunition School, Risalpur, Pakistan, presented a working paper on lessons learned from the fight against IEDs on the Afghan border. The conference proceedings lasted for two days, with expert analyses from participating country representatives who provided introductory presentations on experiences with IEDs and lessons learned, detailing the best practices and procedures applied by states to curb the use of IEDs. Participating nations also provided information about these dangerous explosive devices, aiding the exchange of knowledge and expertise between states on the latest technologies and strategies applied by terrorist and extremist groups in their use of IEDs. They showed keen interest in ensuring the continuity of cooperation and coordination between state parties to address this threat, as well as keeping up to date with any advances and developments in the production of IEDs by terrorist elements. The conference proceedings saw an emphasis placed on the role ideology, how to ensure the importance in dealing with the threats produced by the IEDs' rapidly changing technologies and applications, and putting in place working mechanisms and systems to address these issues. Conference participants also showcased the latest technologies and devices to counter IEDs, allowing for a productive discourse on the latest available discourse on these developments.