The draft resolution is a step to provide legal basis for deployment of up to 30 Lithuanian military instructors to train and advise security forces of Iraq. The draft document stipulates the earliest deployment date to be no sooner than this July, and also restrict participation of Lithuanian military to non-combat tasks.
The said draft resolution seeks to increase the maximal number of soldiers deployed to the EU Operation Sophia in the Southern Central Mediterranean from 5 to 20. The maximal number is increased so as to accommodate more Lithuanian staff officers and a Vessel Boarding Team. Lithuanian military are planned to join Operation Sophia no sooner than this November. Currently one Lithuanian officer is assigned to the EU Naval Force Mediterranean -Operation Sophia headquarters in Rome.
Contribution to multinational operations remains a significant part of Lithuania’s commitments to international security and an way to support the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, NATO Collective Defence, and military cooperation.
Coalition Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq
The United States-led coalition Operation Inherent Resolve aims at elimination of ISIL/Daesh terrorist organisation in Iraq and Syria, and training of and advice to the armed forces of Iraq. The operation was launched in October when the Government of Iraq addressed the international community requesting assistance to eliminate militant terrorist organisation in the country. A part of NATO allies and EU member states are contributing air assets and personnel, military instructors, and other military capabilities to the coalition operation. Currently, the operation is conducted with military capabilities of over 20 countries while military, humanitarian, and other kinds of assistance is contributed by 66 countries.
EU Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean
The European Council launched EUNAVFOR MED Operation SOPHIA in the Southern Central Mediterranean in May 2015. The main goal of the operation is to monitoring of illegal activities and interdiction of ships involved in it. The EU operation is carried out by 24 countries contributing warships and other military capabilities.
