Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue announced the completion of the Rapid Intervention Brigade’s training on October 19. This new military force, consisting of 684 trained personnel, aims to strengthen the country’s military capabilities, with plans for advanced equipment like long-range missiles. A demonstration of Chinese-made armored vehicles was also featured during the ceremony, highlighting efforts to build a formidable military presence.
On October 19, Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who is also the heir apparent to the current president, declared that the newly established Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR) has successfully concluded its training. In a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Nguema stated, “Equatorial Guinea now has a Rapid Intervention Brigade. Today I presided over the closing ceremony of the first promotion of this elite force that I launched in 2019. This batch has 684 personnel trained in six specialties.”
During a televised address at the closing ceremony, he shared insights about the future of the BIR. “We are going to acquire more sophisticated materiel… We will also have long-range missiles, we are being serious. But the foundation has to be solid; we have to be the strongest military in the region. This is my ambition with the BIR, it is also the ambition of the head of state,” he noted.
Moreover, Nguema expressed gratitude towards the team of Chinese military instructors that have played a crucial role in training the brigade. The ceremony featured a display of advanced military equipment, which included a range of Chinese-made armored vehicles intended for use by the BIR. Among the showcased vehicles were the armored personnel carrier, infantry fighting vehicle, self-propelled gun, mortar carrier, command, and recovery variants of the WZ551 6×6 armored vehicle.
This initiative comes as part of Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities and ensure regional dominance. The recent developments and the completion of training signify a significant step towards achieving a more robust military presence that is prepared for various operational demands.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Rapid Intervention Brigade marks a pivotal moment for Equatorial Guinea, as it seeks to enhance its military capabilities. With the training of over 680 personnel and plans for advanced equipment, including long-range missiles, the BIR is poised to become a significant force in the region. The involvement of Chinese military instructors and the showcasing of modern combat vehicles further underline the nation’s commitment to strengthening its defense forces.
Original Source: www.janes.com
