On July 3 soldiers deploying to multinational operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine were formally seen off at a ceremony at the Lithuanian Grand Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion of the Motorised Infantry Brigade Griffin. The troops were presented with flags of the Republic of Lithuania blessed by Chaplain of the Lithuanian Navy Lt Cdr Remigijus Monstvilas.
Three staff officers of the Motorised Infantry Brigade Griffin are deployed to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. They will contribute to the training of the Afghan National Security Forces. Lithuanian soldiers in the multinational mission in Afghanistan serve in different positions in Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar. The number of Lithuanian soldiers in Afghanistan was increased to 5 in Afghanistan, the number is planned to be kept the same in 2019 as well.
Another three Lithuanian soldiers from the Lithuanian Grand Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion are deployed to the multinational operation in Iraq - the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. They will assist in training the local security forces. Lithuanian soldiers in the operation are serving in the composition of the Danish Contingent in the northwestern part of Iraq, city of Ramadi. Lithuania has been part of the mission since 2017 with a standing contribution of 6 military instructors.
At the same ceremony instructors group manned by officers and NCOs of the Motorised Infantry Brigade Griffin staff and subordinate battalions were formally deployed to the Military Training Mission in Ukraine. The deployed troops will focus on supervision of the collective training of Ukrainian instructors and consultations. Lithuanian soldiers at the Yavoriv International Peacekeeping and Security Centre are assisting Ukrainians in reforming and strengthening their armed forces and drawing them closer to NATO standards alongside other NATO allies.
Currently Lithuania has soldiers in 11 multinational operations: over 140 soldiers are deployed in three continents - in Ukraine in Europe, in Afghanistan, Iraq and Turkey in Asia, and in Mali and the Central African Republic in Africa.
Deployments to multinational operations are a significant expression of Lithuania's international commitments to security, it is also a measure of strengthening the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, NATO collective defence and military cooperation.
According to a public opinion poll carried out by request of the Ministry of National Defence in December 2018, the majority of Lithuania's population support participation of Lithuanian soldiers in multinational operations contributing to the efforts of the international community to sustain peace and stability in the world, prevent inter-state and ethnic conflicts, and fight international terrorism. According to the poll results, 72% of the respondents thought Lithuanian soldiers should be deployed to multinational operations if such was the request of NATO allies. Also, 68% of the respondents agreed that Lithuania should step up its contribution to the fight against international terrorism.
Lithuania has been taking part in multinational operations for 25 years as its share of responsibility for international security. We joined multinational operations only several years into the independence we had regained in 1990.
Photo credits: Laura Jokšaitė (Lithuanian Armed Forces )
