November 9, a deployment ceremony was held at the Lithuanian Grand Duke Kęstutis Motorized Infantry Battalion for the Lithuanian Force Protection Unit formed by the Battalion for the NATO mission in Iraq. This is the first time Lithuanian military personnel are deploying to the NATO Mission Iraq to ensure force protection.
“The NATO military involvement in Iraq is the main Alliance’s contribution to the international fight against international terrorism. As the strength of the NATO Mission Iraq gradually increases, so does the military contribution of Lithuania, a solidary NATO ally. We thank our troops for your resolve to take part in this operation and their families – for the support to the deploying troops. I wish you every success,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška at the deployment ceremony.
The Lithuanian unit will deploy to Iraq later in November and will be serving until April next year. They will be in charge of force protection for NATO personnel training Iraqi troops within and outside the base territory while assigned to the Danish Mobile Protection Company. That aims at protecting NATO trainers from separate ISIS units attacking local security forces, members of the Government and civilian population.
