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The NATO-accredited Counterterrorism Excellence Center Command (COE-DAT) in Türkiye is playing a crucial role in enhancing counterterrorism expertise and experience among NATO member states and partners.
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Founded in 2005 and officially accredited by the North Atlantic Council in 2006, COE-DAT has established itself as a vital NATO institution for counterterrorism education and training.
The center provides strategic and operational training to both military and civilian personnel, addressing emerging security threats and enhancing international collaboration in counterterrorism.
According to Colonel Halil Siddik Ayhan, the center's commander, COE-DAT recently passed NATO Headquarters' inspections and secured a six-year unconditional NATO Quality Assurance Institutional Accreditation starting January 1, 2025.
"Our mission is to strengthen NATO and global partners against future threats while providing security professionals with a unified understanding of counterterrorism," Ayhan stated.
COE-DAT has conducted 328 training activities in 22 countries, including 39 mobile training sessions. More than 18,447 participants from 124 countries have taken part in these programs.
Lieutenant Colonel Jose Cabrera, deputy commander of COE-DAT, highlighted the institution's unique capabilities, stating that it has the flexibility to deliver NATO-accredited courses in different locations based on allied and partner nation requests.
"Our vision is to serve as a central hub for international military, governmental, industrial, and academic communities engaged in counterterrorism efforts," Cabrera explained.
Türkiye has been an integral NATO member since 1952, consistently contributing to the alliance’s collective security.
COE-DAT operates with military personnel from multiple nations, with Italy and Albania recently joining as contributing members.
"Türkiye’s strategic geographical position makes it a frontline NATO ally in countering terrorism-related threats. Our contributions include direct support to NATO missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, the Black Sea, Iraq, and the Aegean Sea," Ayhan noted.
COE-DAT also publishes academic research and analysis on counterterrorism trends, producing biannual editions of the Defence Against Terrorism Review (DATR) and releasing books in English on evolving terrorist threats.
COE-DAT hosts the annual "Terrorism Experts Conference," bringing together NATO officials, international organizations, and academic experts to discuss emerging threats and counterterrorism strategies.
The center also conducts strategic-level exercises to reinforce NATO’s counterterrorism framework.
With its expanding mission, COE-DAT continues to reinforce NATO’s transformation efforts, ensuring that alliance members and partners remain prepared to address terrorism-related challenges in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
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