Photo By Spc. Leigh Campbell | Albanian Kommandos display defensive tactics while at Logistical Support Area...... read more read more
By Spc. L.C. Campbell
138 MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (Feb.23, 2006) - Albanian Army units are helping Coalition Forces fight terrorism in Iraq from a small contingency headquartered on Logistical Support Area Diamondback.
The Kommandos, 1st Battalion, controls the battle space east of LSA Diamondback as well as guard towers on the north end of the installation. The Albanian units serve six month rotations in theater.
"We have 120 Soldiers here, but in my country all the people support our guys, and my people like freedom," said Besnik Sokoli, commander, 6th Albanian Contingent. "In my country, we were not struck by terrorism, but the government and people support Albanian Soldiers fighting terrorism."
Kommando units have been supporting Coalition Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom since the beginning of 2003.
"Our prime minister was here two months ago and he said Albania will be in Iraq the same amount of time as the U.S. forces," Sokoli said. "The Soldiers are proud to fight terrorism here and to fight the global war on terrorism."
In 2004, Sgt. Elton Abazllari, now the company advisor, 6th Albania Contingent, was deployed to Iraq, working with U.S. Special Forces. He was wounded in his right leg by an Improvised Explosive Device. He said the situation in Mosul has greatly improved in the past year.
"Now-a-days, things are changing for the better," Sokoli said. "Three years ago, it was the worst situation, and now it's better because the local government is taking control and responsibility and fighting terrorism, and the coalition is supporting them."
Sokoli's Kommandos will be leaving Iraq in mid April to be replaced by the Kommandos 2nd Battalion.
"I think now terrorism is the worst sickness and all democratic countries need to put together all their forces to fight the terrorists," Sokoli said.
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2006 12:43 |
| Story ID: | 5555 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 312 |
| Downloads: | 163 |
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