On November 17 Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania approved the proposal to increase the ceiling of Lithuania’s military contribution to the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI): Lithuania will be able to deploy up to 50 soldiers and civilian personnel of the National Defence System to the operation. The main objectives of the NATO Mission Iraq are to mentor and advise Iraqi security and defence authorities and corresponding training and education institutions.
A Lithuanian Force Protection Unit is planned to join the Danish Contingent in the end of 2021. Its task will be to ensure internal security of the NATO Mission Iraq Headquarters base, escort personnel and guard personnel while in Baghdad.
By approving the resolution the Seimas also mandated deployment of military and civilian personnel of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean IRINI (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) which was launched instead of EUNAVFORMED SOPHIA on 31 March 2020. Up to 20 Lithuania may take part the operation.
The main objective of EUNAVFOR MED IRINI is to enforce the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. Its secondary tasks are disruption of illegal migration, training of Libyan coast guard officers, and prevention of illegal oil exports from Libya. Lithuania plans sending a 12-strong Vessel Boarding Team in 2021 to sail with a German Navy ship.
Lithuanian soldiers will continue serving in other NATO, EU, UN-led, and other international operations, as well as the national Military Training Mission in Ukraine which was launched to assist training the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In total, 342 Lithuanians have been mandated to serve in international operations until the end of 2021.
