July 20, a deployment ceremony took place at the Independence Square in Panevėžys to farewell King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion military personnel leaving on a multinational mission for Iraq. It was conducted in the presence of Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas, Chief of the Defence Staff Major General Mindaugas Steponavičius, Land Force Commander Brig Gen Artūras Radvilas and other guests.
“NATO military involvement in Iraq is a critical contribution to the international fight against terrorism. We are committed to strengthening the Iraqi forces and ensuring that the Islamic State never returns. It is necessary for the security of Iraq and the region, as well as for our own. Troops will deploy back home with better competence because battlefield, real-life tasks and terrain is where the military learn the most,” said A. Anušauskas.
The Lithuanian contingent will serve in composition of an international unit in Baghdad, Republic of Iraq, for 6 months alongside Danish, Polish and Spanish colleagues.
Information credits: King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion, photo credits: MoD / A. Pliadis
