Defusing the threat: SETAF-AF helps propel Tunisia to the forefront of counter-IED efforts

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VICENZA, Italy - U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa continues to strengthen Tunisia's ability to counter improvised explosive device threats through a long-term partnership focused on professional military education, technical expertise and institutional development.

The partnership reached another milestone Sept. 8-9 when the Tunisian Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Center of Excellence hosted its inaugural conference in Bizerte, Tunisia. The event brought together approximately 70 military, government and industry professionals from Africa, Europe and the United States to exchange knowledge on evolving explosive threats and security challenges.

"One of our primary goals has always been helping our partners build sustainable capabilities that they can own and lead themselves," said Judson Strom, a SETAF-AF C-IED planner. "Seeing Tunisia organize and host a multinational conference of this scope demonstrates how far the program has progressed and highlights their growing role as a security leader in North Africa."

The conference, themed "New IED Warfare and Evolving Threats: Challenges and Strategies for a Changing Security Landscape," reflected years of collaboration between SETAF-AF, U.S. Africa Command and Tunisian partners to develop Tunisia's capacity as a regional leader in C-IED operations.

Representatives from the Tunisian military, U.S. armed forces, European partners and several African nations participated in discussions focused on emerging IED threats, hybrid warfare, autonomous systems and the challenges these evolving technologies present on today's battlefield. The forum also highlighted opportunities for multilateral cooperation and knowledge sharing among C-IED professionals.

"The conference served as a visible example of Tunisia's increasing ability to train and educate partner nations while contributing to regional stability and security," said Strom. "Tunisia's goal is to create a recurring forum where explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and IED defeat professionals can exchange ideas, discuss common challenges and develop solutions for future conflicts."

The event builds on a series of engagements designed to strengthen the Tunisian C-IED Center of Excellence and expand its institutional capabilities.

Earlier this year, SETAF-AF's C-IED directorate coordinated a visit for four Tunisian EOD disposal and C-IED personnel to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The delegation met with experts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR).

"The engagement exposed Tunisian personnel to advanced training management systems, technical exploitation processes and forensic laboratory operations that support global C-IED efforts," said Dana Bogard, branch chief of the EOD and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) branch, Deputy Chief of Staff Engineer Directorate, SETAF-AF.

The visit also provided insights into how U.S. agencies analyze explosive devices, share intelligence and maintain centralized repositories of threat information. Those lessons are expected to support Tunisia's efforts to develop its own laboratory capabilities and strengthen collaboration among military, law enforcement and security organizations.

"Partnerships like this are about much more than individual events," said U.S. Army Master Sgt. Steven Shuler, the noncommissioned officer in charge of SETAF-AF's EOD and HMA branch. "Each engagement helps build the relationships, expertise and institutional knowledge needed for our partners to sustain and expand their capabilities long after the training is complete."

For SETAF-AF, the success of the conference demonstrates the value of a partnership-based approach to security cooperation.

As Tunisia continues to develop its C-IED capabilities, SETAF-AF remains committed to supporting partner-led initiatives that improve operational readiness, build interoperability and promote regional security across Africa.

"The ultimate measure of success is seeing our partners lead," Strom said. "Tunisia's ability to bring together military, government and international stakeholders to address shared security challenges shows the strength of the foundation that has been built through years of collaboration."

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About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.