The Italian Army soldiers of the “Praesidium” Task Force give veterinary assistance to K9 assets deployed in the Mosul Dam area

Iraq: the efforts of the Praesidium Task Force continue

For the first time, on request of the Iraqi counterpart, the Italian Army soldiers of the "Praesidium" Task Force have given veterinary assistance to the counter IED K9 assets of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) through a program aiming to facilitate the efficiency of the CTS K9 units deployed in the sensitive areas of the defensive organization in the Mosul Dam region.

The Counter Terrorism Service uses K9 assets as an instrument against terrorism at the main checkpoints along the roads towards the area of the dam controlled by the "Dimonios" of the 151st "Sassari" Infantry Regiment. This asset is important to contrast the threat of possible Vehicle Borne.

An Improvised Explosive Device needs to maintain always physical and operational efficiency. For that reason, on request of the Counter Terrorism Service with whom there is cooperation in the defensive combined system in the Mosul Dam area, the "Praesidium" Task Force has supported the Iraqi K9 units through an accurate protocol of veterinary control established by the Italian veterinary specialized assets. The veterinary protocol aims to support the delicate work of the Iraqi security forces that cooperate with the coalition in contrasting the terroristic threat.

In particular the Italian support to the Iraqi K9 units has consisted in medical examinations, administration of therapies and instructions on the management of the animals; that support will continue in order to limit the dissemination of debilitating pathologies that could make the K9 assets used against terrorism inefficient. In the framework of the "Inherent Resolve" Operation, the "Presidium" Task Force, based on the 151st "Sassari" Infantry Regiment, is the Task Force in charge of protecting the Mosul dam in coordination with the local security forces such as Counter Terrorism Service, National Security Service and Iraqi Police.

The "Praesidium" Task Force ensures the defence of the dam, a strategic area for Iraq, and it also guarantees the security of the USACE military and civil personnel and the workforce of the TREVI company employed in the renovation of the infrastructure.

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