15 Lithuanian soldiers are currently deployed to the NATO Mission Iraq and as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/ Daesh. Taking into account the deteriorating security situation and changes in the stance of the country’s Government, international commanders took additional measures to ensure personnel protection: security level at military bases has been elevated, limitations have been placed on military personnel movement, training activities have been halted. The Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces is in constant touch with Lithuanian troops on the ground.
The future of the international forces in Iraq is to be decided in the coming days. The North Atlantic Council meets today in Brussels to address the situation.
Missions to which Lithuanian soldiers are deployed
NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) has been conducted since 2004 in order to train local security forces. Two Lithuanian soldiers are serving at the operational headquarters in Baghdad and other four are deployed to the Taji Airport. Lithuanian military personnel are not mandated to take part in combat actions.
Lithuania has been taking part in the US-led Operation in Iraq, Inherent Resolve, since 2017, with a constant contribution of 6 military instructors training local security forces. Lithuanians are serving in the Danish Contingent in north-western part of Iraq, Al Asad air base.
