Over the past three weeks, Dutch and Colombian marines have been training together intensively for the first time. The focus was on operations on rivers in the jungle and amphibious operations. In northern Colombia, the soldiers exchanged knowledge and experience.
Common interests in the Caribbean region
The close cooperation is necessary as both countries are pursuing strategic interests in the Caribbean region – particularly in the fight against drug smuggling. Colombian drug cartels continue to export large quantities of cocaine. Many smuggling routes run via Aruba and Curaçao.
Mutual learning
The Colombian Infanteria de Marina has extensive operational experience, as the country is still characterized by conflicts with rebel groups and criminal gangs.
“With its geographical diversity, Colombia offers valuable training conditions,” explains Major Rik, Commander of the Dutch Naval Squadron Caribbean (MSC). “It is also a natural partner due to its proximity to Aruba and Curaçao. In return, the Colombian marines learn from us how to cooperate more closely with the fleet – we have more experience here thanks to our larger naval fleet.”
Support from “Zr.Ms. Pelikaan”
The Dutch support ship “Zr.Ms. Pelikaan” accompanied the exercise. According to frigate captain Max Borsboom, a rethink was also necessary here – away from peacetime operations and towards a war-ready mindset.
“By increasing the pressure in training, we recognize our limits and know where we need to improve.” For example, injured soldiers were brought on board the “Pelikaan” for medical treatment for the first time – a procedure that had not been practiced before. “It became clear that we need more personnel to cope with additional tasks and keep the ship operational at the same time.”
Stronger partnership
“We are proud to have shared our experiences,” says General Adolfo Enrique Hernandez Ruiz, Commander of the Colombian Infantry de Marina. He is clearly in favor of continuing the cooperation: “In recent years, we have been working towards this collaboration. Thanks to the joint exercises, our partnership will now be further strengthened.”
New alliances in the Caribbean
The intensified contacts between the two navies represent an important step towards expanding security policy relations in the Caribbean region. Although many international partners have strategic interests in the region – an alliance such as NATO does not exist there. New forms of cooperation must therefore be created in order to guarantee security in the region in the long term.
