Albania

The Republic of Albania by joining Operation Enduring Freedom on January 10, 2002, in London, where the Coalition Memorandum was endorsed among participating nations, became a modest but active contributor on the Global War on Terror. The Government of Albania remains committed to supporting the International Coalition fight on the newest challenge of the millennium, that against terrorism.

Support to the Global War on Terror:

An Albanian Liaison Team was embedded at USCENTCOM headquarters in Tampa in March 2003.

In July 2008, Albanian Armed Forces have deployed one Infantry Company (minus), 62 personnel, in Ndjamena, the capital of Chad Republic. The main task is to provide Force Protection to the UN Headquarters, escort UN personnel and UN convoys. This company operates under the French Force Command.

Support to Operation Enduring Freedom:

Albania granted over flight rights to all North Atlantic Treaty Organization aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was one of four nations to contribute troops to the combat phase of O.E.F. Since August 5, 2002 a platoon of Albanian Armed Forces is part of ISAF, and operates in Kabul area mostly dealing force protection. On July 20, 2004, the Albanian Armed Forces started filling two billets in Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, one Lt. Col. and one Non-Commissioned Officer. In 2005 Albanian Armed Forced started to contribute with a small medical team (composed of four personnel) together with Macedonian and Croatian Armed Forces as an initiative of Adriatic Charter under a Greek Armed Forces Hospital in Kabul. Since July 2007, the Albanian Armed Forces have deployed 112 personnel of one Infantry Company, in Heart Afghanistan. Main task is to provide Force Protection, QRF, and in and out patrol of Heart airport. This company operates under the Italian Force Command.

Support to Operation Iraqi Freedom:

One Albanian commando company was attached to Multinational Brigade North (also known as Task Force Olympia). The first contingent was deployed in Iraq on April 6, 2003. Its mission is to undertake and execute security operations in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom. Some of the main duties it has accomplished include convoy escort, manning checkpoints, guard duty and supporting the new Iraqi police to maintain public order. Currently the Albanian company is deployed in the city of Mosul, securing the Mosul Airport, patrolling in and out of the airport perimeter, and manning a rapid reaction force. In addition, Albania participates in Multi-National Force-Iraq and Multi-National Corps-Iraq with one officer and one non-commissioned officer as well as with an officer filling a billet in MNSTC-I.

It is foreseen that Albanian Armed Forces will deploy in early September 2008, one Commando Company, 95 personnel, in Camp Victory, Baghdad. Main tasks will be QRF, FP, TCP, patrolling in and out the base perimeter, secure guard towers, etc.

Humanitarian Support:

Albania has contributed donations to the Afghan National Army. The first donation was made on November 26, 2002. The Albanian Armed Forces equipped an ANA battalion with weapons, ammunition and military clothing. The second donation for the ANA, which consisted of ammunition and helmets, was delivered on April 2004.