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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.

Albanian Armed Forces current deployments:

In July 2008, Albanian Armed Forces 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 with 19 military personnel to EUFOR ALTHEA, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ISAF/OEF Albanian contribution:

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.

The Albanian contingent deployed in Afghanistan consists of:

Two companies deployed to RC West, under the Italian Command. Their current strength is 222 military personnel.

One platoon, (22 military personnel) deployed to RC C under the Turkish Command.

Two military personnel deployed to RC N OMLT under the German Command.

Two military personnel deployed to the ISAF HQ, Kabul

Three military personnel deployed to NATO Training Mission, Kabul.

Four military personnel deployed to 4 CSTC A at the operation Enduring Freedom, under the U.S. Command.

It is planned that 4 squads of the Special Forces will be sent to RC South under the U.S. Command and other military personnel will be sent as part of the OMLT at Kabul under the U.S. 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.
Albanian Armed Forces deployed in early September 2008, one Commando Company, 95 personnel, in Camp Victory, Baghdad. Main tasks were QRF, FP, TCP, patrolling in and out the base perimeter, secure guard towers, etc.

Currently Albania contributes with two officers to the NATO Training Mission in Baghdad, Iraq.

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.

In 2009 Albania donated to the Iraqi Armed Forces 15 tons of light weapons ammunition.