US delivers 50 'world class' explosive detectors to Pakistan Army

The United States Embassy in Pakistan has announced the delivery of over 50 "world class" Fido X3 explosive device detectors to the Pakistan Army.

The Fido is a hand-held device allowing Pakistani soldiers to determine in less than 10 seconds whether an item contains explosive material or not. These new military devices are a part of an ongoing USD 128 million initiative funded by Washington to help the army counter illegal explosives.

The 50 "world class" Fido X3 explosive device detectors was delivered to the army by the U.S. Embassy's Office of the Defence Representative Pakistan (ODRP), the Dawn quoted an embassy handout, as saying.

"These Fidos will be added to those previously provided to the Pakistan Army and being used in various counter-terrorism operations throughout the country," the statement said.

ODRP Chief Brigadier General Kenneth Ekman said the "advanced system improves on previous versions used to great effect by the Pakistan Army".

He added: "A primary way to stop a bomb is to catch the bomb maker or attacker before he puts the device in position. Keeping explosives out of the wrong hands helps everyone."

A counter-explosive assistance programme undertaken by both countries includes provision of armoured vehicles, bomb disposal robots, training, and the construction of a laboratory for the detailed analysis of explosive samples, the US Embassy press release said.

"The U.S. and Pakistan are also partners in a programme to support amputees," it added.

Brigadier Ekman highlighted the partnership between the US and Pakistan Army in ongoing efforts combating terrorism, particularly in the Pak-Afghan border region, the handout read.