American newspaper “The Washington Post” praises Algerian civil protection units, dubbing them as “heroes”
By: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The American newspaper “The Washington Post” praised the tireless efforts deployed by the Algerian Civil Protection units which are partaking in rescue operations following the earthquake that struck large areas in Turkey and Syria last Monday.
Its correspondent from the Turkish Adiyaman region, Kareem Fahim, described the civil protection personnel as “heroes”, after they succeeded in freeding two children from under the rubble of a building located on a street that had turned into ruins.
“Algerian rescue workers were this city’s heroes for a few minutes Wednesday after they freed two children from a collapsed apartment building, on a broad boulevard lined with destruction, long past the time anyone expected good news”.
The “Washington Post” reporter noted that the rescue operation involved a girl of about 7 years old and a younger child who were transferred to the hospital.
It added that the achievements of the Algerian rescue team were remarkable at a time when despair began to creep into the souls.
For his part, Cihan Ozay, 33, said, as reported by the newspaper: “The Algerians arrived late Monday, and were “really good,” before adding:
“They have great equipment… They take all the bodies out.”
“The Algerian team numbered 86 people — 89, counting command staff — and included six search and rescue dogs,” said Col. Farouk Achour, a spokesman, who spoke shortly after his colleagues saved the two children.
“Many people come to ask us to help them,” he added.
The lengthy report was attached with pictures of the rescue operation carried out by the Algerian Civil Protection team, in addition to another picture of the command center of the same team as they race against time to carry out other rescue operations.
Here is the link to the article:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/08/turkey-syria-earthquake-rescue-aid/
President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune hailed, on Saturday, the units of the Civil Protection that are currently in Turkey and Syria for their efforts in rescuing and taking care of the disaster victims after the devastating earthquake which hit the two countries on Monday.
President of the Republic wrote on his official twitter account “ To our children of the Civil Protection in Turkey and Syria, I hail all of you for the smile and happiness you sowed among our brothers in Turkey and Syria with professionalism and heroism. Algeria is proud of you and you will return safe and sound by God’s grace.”
Noting that the Algerian Civil Protection team is ranked first according to statistics from the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
