Lithuanian special forces join NATO operation in Afghanistan

The team of special forces advisors will train, advise and support Afghan security forces in the implementation of their tasks alongside other allies, the Ministry of National defense told BNS Lithuania.

“Service in the NATO Operation Resolute Support not only allows soldiers of the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces to contribute to mutual efforts and responsibility of NATO allies and partners to combat global terrorism but also to acquire up-to-date and relevant skills and knowledge vital for ensuring security, resilience and stability in Lithuania and the Baltic region in cooperation with NATO allies and partners,” Commander of the Special Operations Forces Colonel Modestas Petrauskas said in a statement.

According to National Defense Minister Raimundas.Karoblis, Lithuania receives strong support from its allies, therefore, as a responsible member of international community and NATO, it contributes as much as it can to the efforts to tackle global issues.

Aside from the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces, over 20 Lithuanian troops are currently deployed to the NATO Operation Resolute Support. When the special forces soldiers are deployed, the total number of Lithuanian military in Afghanistan will comply with the decision of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania to have no more than 50 soldiers deployed.

Lithuania has been contributing to the trust fund, mainly financed by the U.S., since 2015.