The US Mission to Nepal, in partnership with the government of Nepal, conducted a handover ceremony for a Regional Crisis Management Center (RCMC) and commenced the bilateral special operations training exercise “Balance Nail 17-3” at the Nepal Army’s Chhauni barracks in Kathmandu on Monday.

The US-funded RCMC is a $1.8-million facility in the heart of Kathmandu Valley, was developed through the cooperation of the US Embassy’s Office of Defence Cooperation, the US Agency for International Development, and the World Food Programme, the Embassy of the United States in Kathmandu said in a press statement. “The project directly supports Nepal’s ability to coordinate emergency response, facilitate communication with the National Emergency Operations Centre, and provide assistance to the affected populations during both manmade and natural disasters,” the embassy added.

The RCMC and warehouse are part of a larger network of infrastructure being constructed throughout the country to provide safe locations for relief efforts and food distribution.

The project was completed with assistance from the US Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters and Himalayan Builders.

Bilateral training between the US Army Special Forces and the Nepal Mahabir Rangers has roots spanning over a decade. 

During the “Balance Nail” exercises, the Rangers and US Special Operations forces train together to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster response emergencies in rural, mountainous areas, the embassy said. “This training will also build the Nepal Army’s ability to work side by side with government institutions, civilians, NGOs, and INGOs in the event of crises, whether at home in Nepal or when carrying out UN Peacekeeping Operations abroad.”

Stating that the US Mission remains committed to supporting the Nepal government’s efforts in disaster preparedness and crisis response, the embassy said: “The RCMC will play an important part in maximizing the effectiveness of Nepal’s disaster response capabilities, while exercises like ‘Balance Nail 17-3’ will strengthen the ability of security forces to respond.”