Albania honours UAE rescue team for wildfire support
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Albania has honoured the UAE rescue team for helping battle the country’s summer wildfires. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the recognition ceremony alongside senior military leaders, according to the UAE’s state news agency.
The UAE contingent supported Albanian authorities as blazes forced residents to flee their homes and damaged rural areas. The National reported the honors followed days of joint operations in multiple regions.
Since arriving earlier in August on the order of President Sheikh Mohamed, the team has flown 27 missions using two Black Hawk helicopters, carrying out targeted water drops over fire hotspots.
According to WAM, the sorties included 680 precise drops and more than 1,261 tonnes of water, which helped contain the spread of flames amid high temperatures and difficult terrain.
Albanian officials praised the efforts of international crews and local responders, noting their role in safeguarding communities during peak fire conditions.