British News Agency

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that a rescue and aid delegation will be sent to Colombia following the earthquake that struck the country.

According to the IDF statement, the delegation, which will depart for Colombia tonight under instructions from the political leadership, has been assigned as part of the “Alliance of Friends” team comprising personnel from the IDF, the Defense Ministry and the Foreign Ministry.

The delegation will operate under the joint leadership of the Home Front Command and the Foreign Ministry. The team will depart for Colombia from Nevatim Air Base aboard Israeli Air Force aircraft. Rescue and aid operations are planned to begin immediately after the delegation arrives in the country.

According to Home Front Command chief Brig. Gen. Shay Kalper, the delegation's primary mission will be to provide urgent support for life-saving operations being carried out in the aftermath of the earthquake.

In this context, the teams are expected to contribute to rescue efforts particularly through the rapid mapping of destruction sites.

The delegation is headed by Reserve Capt. Yossi Pinto, commander of the Home Front Command's National Rescue and Aid Unit.

Israel announced that the team being sent to Colombia will include around 80 personnel.

The delegation includes rescue teams from regular and reserve forces, as well as specialist personnel in various fields.