March 4, after a break in winter season personnel of the Lithuanian Special Operations Forces (SOF) Squadron „Aitvaras" rejoined the International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) mission in southern Afghanistan at full capacity.
Through participation in the Afghanistan mission Lithuanian SOF personnel gain experience and expand the capacity of SOF which is evaluated positively by the ISAF Commander in Afghanistan Gen David H. Petraeus. In the letter sent to the Chief of Defence of Lithuania Maj Gen Arvydas Pocius Gen D. Petraeus repeatedly thanked for „the outstanding performance of the Special Operations Task Force in Zabul Province and its significant contributions to the Afghanistan campaign".
„The SOTF has played a very commendable role in the Afghan Minister of Interior's strategic development initiative to build, train, and deploy Provincial Response Companies (PRCs)," says Gen D. Petraeus' letter to Lithuania's Chief of Defence.
In the letter Gen D. Petraeus emphasizes that effective partnership of Lithuanian peacekeepers with the PRC in Zabul has aided the PRC's development into a strong and capable force that can disrupt insurgent activity and help set the stage for improved security.
Gen D. Petraeus accentuates in the letter the positive approach of the Lithuanian SOF personnel towards knowledge and information sharing because it helps the local Provincial Response Company achieve a better understanding of the battle space.
SOF Squadron of the Lithuanian Armed Forces has been taking part in the mission in Afghanistan for over nearly a decade this way contributing to stronger commitments among the allies.
„As always, thank you for your leadership and commitment," ISAF Commander in Afghanistan Gen D. Petraeus concluded the formal letter to the Chief of Defence of Lithuania also stressing that „You can be very proud of your SOF Contingent in Zabul!"
Special Operations Squadron „Aitvaras" has been participating in the multinational operation in Afghanistan since 2002. The rotation which was deployed in the beginning of March is the 12th shift of „Aitvaras". Before deployment the rotation underwent a month of training in Lithuania.
SOF personnel has been serving in the Afghanistan mission since 2002: in the Enduring Freedom operation in 2002-2004, and in the ISAF mission since 2007.
