Israeli Rescue Team Recounts Complex Operations in Colombia

A reservist sergeant major from Israel's National Rescue Unit, identified only as Assaf, has shared details of the unit's complex mission in Cali, Colombia, following a devastating earthquake. Assaf described how the unit was prepared to deploy within 24 hours of the disaster, equipped with personnel, supplies, and logistical capabilities. However, bureaucratic hurdles and a delay in receiving an official request from the Colombian government meant the team arrived in Cali approximately 90 hours after the earthquake, a point at which the chances of finding survivors were slim.

Upon arrival, the Israeli team connected with local authorities to identify areas where they could provide assistance and coordinate with existing rescue efforts. Assaf noted that besides Israel, few international delegations were present, with only a US coordination force and some neighboring South American countries offering aid. The Israeli unit focused its efforts on three critical sites. At one complex collapse site, where local efforts had been struggling to locate missing persons, the unit's intelligence, population, and engineering team developed a precise work plan that led to the successful rescue of all missing individuals just before the site was to be cleared.

At another location, local responders had hesitated to act until the Israeli team's arrival, which then led the rescue operations to reach all trapped individuals. At a third site, the unit performed complex extractions while also providing crucial engineering advice that allowed a hospital to continue operating safely. The engineers also assisted in restoring essential civil and health services and helped families return to their homes. Assaf highlighted the unit's ability to accurately assess the situation, focus efforts, and prevent resource waste as their key contribution, emphasizing the warm reception and high regard they received from residents and government officials, bringing honor to Israel.