Other events in Baltic States

The Estonian Ministry of Defense is once again planning to deploy up to 10 members of the defense forces to Iraq in 2018, where they will continue to train the Iraqi armed forces, informs LETA/BNS.

The Defense Ministry has filed a draft legislation for coordination, according to which the defense forces next year will once again participate in the international military operation Inherent Resolve with up to 10 active servicemen, it appears from the draft legislation information system.

According to the letter of explanation of the draft legislation, Estonia is prepared, if necessary and possible, to increase its participation in the operation but it would remain within the quota.

According to the draft legislation, Estonian active servicemen would not participate in military operations on the Syrian territory. The main task of the Estonian defense personnel is to train the Iraqi security forces.

The draft budget of the Ministry of Defense sets aside 478,823 euros for the costs related to the operation in Iraq.

Estonia has been participating in the Inherent Resolve operation since August 2016 when a 6-strong training team as part of the Danish contingent started service in the Anbar province of Iraq. In addition to that, one Estonian senior officer is serving in Baghdad in a multinational military-strategic team, which advises the Iraqi ministries and security forces.