Nepal, US holding joint military exercise from Tuesday

KATHMANDU: Nepal Army and US Army are holding a joint military exercise named ‘Ex-Balance-Nail 22-5530’ from Tuesday.

Issuing a statement on Monday, the Nepal Army said this is the 39th joint exercise between the armies of Nepal and the US.

The month-long exercise is beginning at a time when concerns are being raised over Nepal inching closer toward the US Army camp.

Mahabir Battalion (Ranger) of the Nepal Army is taking part in the joint military exercise. In this exercise, the number of Nepali soldiers is higher compared to the US army soldiers.

The number of soldiers, however, is equal in similar joint exercises that Nepal Army holds with the Indian and Chinese armies.

Nepal has been holding similar exercises with India and China as well. Though the army has been saying that similar exercises will be held with other countries as well, it hasn’t happened so far.

Eighty Nepal Army soldiers and 16 US Army soldiers are participating in the joint exercise that kicks off at the Chhauni barrack of the Nepal Army on Tuesday. The joint exercise will cover issues like the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), among others, according to the army statement.

The joint exercise will be held at Chhauni and Nagarkot.

The US Army delegation led by Captain Blake Ducatel arrived in Kathmandu on Monday with the necessary logistics to participate in the training.

Meanwhile, an introduction discussion between officials of the two armies was held at American Mission Association at Phora Durbar on Monday.