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An explosive device detonated under the vehicle of the Lithuanian patrol in Afghanistan

2013-04-16, 13:58
Published in World
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On April 15 an unidentified explosive device detonated under a HMMWV armoured vehicle of the Lithuanian Military Advisory Team (MAT) as they were driving to a firing range at about 10.00 a.m. (local time) in the capital of Ghor province, Chaghcharan. Except for the damage done to the military vehicle, no harm has been inflicted on the patrol staff in the incident.

“The fact that not a single staff member got injured in the incident only proves their high level of readiness and great professionalism. We will continue paying particular attention to the ensurement of the security of our troops and of the continuity of our mission”, said Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas, currently on visit in Afghanistan.

Four MAT members were going by that vehicle to a firing exercise of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The incident occurred approximately 3 km away from the PRT compound.

“Improvised explosive devices remain the biggest threat throughout Afghanistan. They are used against both, NATO troops and local Afghan forces. A long-time experience-based analysis provided by our and NATO staffs reveals that such sorties proliferate in the warm season of the year”, acting Chief of Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Colonel Egidijus Karvelis commented on the incident.

The incident was reported to the Afghan National Security Forces.

The Military Advisory Team is manned by military training instructors of the Lithuanian Armed Forces specialising in many areas and sharing their experience and knowledge with local security forces through training. The MAT carry out joint operations and training events with the Afghan National Army on a regular basis.

www.kam.lt

www.L24.lt

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