HomeTop StoriesHundreds of Swedish forces arrive in Latvia in NATO's largest deployment to...

Hundreds of Swedish forces arrive in Latvia in NATO’s largest deployment to date

Generate important insights

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Hundreds of Swedish troops arrived in Latvia on Saturday to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade along NATO’s eastern flank, a mission Sweden calls the most important operation yet as a member of the Western defense alliance.

A ship carrying elements of a mechanized infantry battalion arrived early Saturday at the port of Riga, the capital of Latvia, escorted by the Swedish Air Force and units of the Swedish and Latvian navies, the Swedish Armed Forces said in a statement.

Latvia borders Russia to the east and Russia and Belarus to the southeast. Tensions are high in Central Europe due to the Russian war against Ukraine.

The Swedish Armed Forces said the 550-troop mission will contribute to the alliance’s deterrence and defense efforts and ensure stability in the region, and that it “marks Sweden’s largest deployment to date since joining the NATO.”

Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl of the 71st Battalion said he was very proud to contribute to the collective defense of the alliance.

“It’s a historic day, but at the same time it’s our new normal,” he said.

The Swedish troops will join one of eight NATO brigades along the alliance’s eastern flank. The battalion is based outside the city of Adazi, near Riga.

Sweden formally joined NATO in March as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of neutrality after World War II and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security problems in Europe have increased following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Finland also abandoned its long-standing military neutrality to join NATO in April 2023, following concerns raised when Russia invaded Ukraine the year before.

See also  Winterstorm is challenges for school districts, commuters
- Advertisement -
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments