The deployment ceremony was held on May 20, Lithuanian Grand Duke Butigeids Dragoon Battalion, Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius Infantry Brigade Griffin (Klaipėda), for Lithuanian military personnel leaving to take part in multinational missions in Iraq, Africa, the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus wished luck and underscored for the troops that military involvement in multinational missions was the prime contribution of the Allies to the fight against international terrorism.
“Multinational deployments are a privilege, appreciation of professionalism and a challenge looked forward to from the first days in service. We are committed to support and strengthen forces and institutions of Iraq, Mali and Mozambique and to fight international terrorism alongside our allies. This is important for the mentioned countries, the security of their region and the Alliance security, it is important to us as well. I thank you for your service and determination to carry out international deployments, and I thank your families for the support, backing and understanding,” said Vice Minister Ž. Tomkus.
The major part of the deploying military personnel are leaving for the NATO Mission Iraq to replace the current Lithuanian platoon and serve until September. During the deployment period they will operate in composition of the Danish Mobile Protection Company as a force protection capability: ensure security of the base and of NATO personnel training Iraqi soldiers outside of the base territory. This is an important task to make sure NATO trainers are protected against separate ISIS groups that are staging attacks against local security forces, governmental representatives and civilian population.
The Lithuanian military stated a training cycle specifically for this operation in advance. Members of the Dragoon Battalion took part in the exercise in the United Kingdom which certified Lithuanian and Danish troops for the deployment. The training focused on counter-IED and chemical weapon actions, unification of procedures and tactical medical actions.
The NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat operation launched to strengthen the Armed Forces and security institutions of Iraq and to help them become capable of fending off terrorism, prevent ISIS activity in Iraq and stabilize the country. The mission was established in July 2018 following a request from the Government of Iraq. Last February the mission was expanded by agreement at the NATO Defence Ministerial.
This is the first time Lithuanian troops are deploying to Mozambique. The European Union Training Mission in Mozambique established last year aims to assist the Armed Forces of Mozambique with formation of rapid response forces by training them in such as areas as operational readiness, counter-terrorism, civilian population protection. International humanitarian law and human rights protection.
Lithuanian military will also deploy shortly to the UN-led operation in Mali, EU Training Mission Mali and the European Union counter-piracy and armed robbery at sea operation ATALANTA.
Photo credits: Griffin Brigade/ 1st Lt Edvinas Urbonas
