Israeli rescue team deployed to earthquake-hit Colombia

The Israeli rescue delegation, known as the 'Alliance of Brothers,' arrived in Colombia on Friday, led by the Home Front Command in coordination with the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs. The deployment follows a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Monday, resulting in at least 288 deaths, thousands of injuries, and over 200 people still missing. The Israeli Embassy in Colombia, led by Ambassador Alon Lavi, provided the necessary diplomatic and administrative support for the mission. Upon arrival, the delegation began operations at two primary sites in the city of Cali. Home Front Command engineers are working alongside local professionals at the city's damaged university hospital to guide complex rubble removal and structural stabilization efforts to reach trapped individuals. Simultaneously, the team is assisting local authorities in mapping damaged buildings and establishing a data management system to help prioritize ongoing response efforts. The Israel Defense Forces stated that the delegation will continue to provide Israeli expertise and capabilities to assist local authorities in saving lives and addressing the aftermath of the earthquake.