Britain to gift more counter-IED help to Pakistan

LONDON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Britain plans to gift Pakistan spare parts and other equipment to support counter-explosive equipment previously given to the country.

The intention to donate more than $1.5 million of equipment was announced earlier this week by Defense Secretary Michael Fallon.

"I'm pleased that we are able to offer this support package as our counter-IED work is part of our close partnership with Pakistan and our shared determination to fight terrorism," Fallon said.

"By working together, we will make our streets safer at home in the UK and in Pakistan. Pakistan has a rapidly expanding C-IED capability, with over 5,000 of its security forces trained, and more of these IEDs are being defeated across the provinces and lives are being saved. Pakistani battalions, who have benefited from UK support, have been operating for more than a year as part of the military's counter-terrorism operations."

Britain last May completed a three-year program to help Pakistan develop a multi-agency ability to counter improvised explosive devices. Counter-IED equipment, including mine detectors, were donated to the country. A new three-year support package was then offered to Pakistan, which borders Afghanistan and which faces its own extremist threat.