CARMIL, KPA, and KIA Practice Civil Disturbance De-escalation in Aruba
Aruban and Curaçaoan military forces (CARMIL) are conducting joint training exercises this week in Aruba alongside the Mobile Unit (ME) of the Cuerpo Policial Aruba (KPA) and the K9 Unit of the Korrectionele Inrichting Aruba (KIA). The exercise focuses on de-escalation tactics during civil disturbances, also known as “Beteugelen van Woelingen” (BVW), and aims to prepare Caribbean military and security partners for responding to public order incidents.
Realistic Scenario at Sero Colorado
Training has taken place at the Marine Barracks Savaneta and other locations over recent days. On Thursday, April 23, the final exercise scenario will unfold in the former Esso village of Sero Colorado. In a realistic simulation, the Governor of Aruba faces a group of protesters seeking to confront a local mayor. As the situation threatens to escalate, military assistance is called in through a deployed platoon of soldiers.
The exercise includes multiple sub-scenarios in which tensions between demonstrators and authorities progressively increase. During these simulations, Caribbean troops encounter escalating violence. The central focus of the final exercise is de-escalation and cooperation with local security partners.
Riot Suppression Platoons Ready for Deployment
As a key security partner providing military assistance to Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba), CZMCARIB maintains two trained riot suppression platoons. These units are fully equipped by CARMIL personnel and can be deployed to support public order and safety.
Both Curaçao and Aruba maintain their own BVW platoons and regularly practice various scenarios. Through exercises like these, Caribbean forces remain prepared for a range of situations involving public order disturbances, strengthening regional security cooperation and readiness across the Dutch Caribbean.
