Sweden has deployed a national support force to the Gulf region due to security concerns, focusing on aiding its embassy in Abu Dhabi and helping affected Swedes return home. The operation, coordinated by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, includes personnel such as an operation leader, deputy, IT expert, doctors, and two nurses from the National Board of Health and Welfare. Medical personnel from three regions, including Region Stockholm between March 7 and 10, are involved, with the Police Authority contributing existing regional resources.
The support force, developed after the 2004 Thailand tsunami, is activated by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to assist embassies during crises abroad. It comprises specially trained individuals from agencies like the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, National Board of Health and Welfare, Police Authority, Church of Sweden, Swedish Red Cross, and Save the Children. ' The exact number of Swedes needing assistance and specific security details remain undisclosed.
This is a good example of how authorities can cooperate quickly and effectively to support the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in the work of assisting affected Swedes abroad during serious events.
It is important to be able to contribute in this type of event, and a strength that we do it together with other regions and authorities.