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The 45 Albanian Army Special forces face-to-face with the Taliban's in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
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Official
Online Show Daily News ALMEX 2011 Albanian Military Exhibition Tirana, Albania 27 - 29 October 2011 |
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Albanian
Army Special Forces at ALMEX 2011 |
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The 45 Albanian Army Special forces face-to-face with the Taliban's in Kandahar, Afghanistan. |
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Albanian
soldiers have stood alongside some of the most modern military forces
in peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and other countries. The example,
for which we should all be proud, comes from the Special Forces troupes
whom since over one year and a half continue to complete successfully
on every battle mission in the Kandahar area of Afghanistan. |
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 Albanian Army Special Forces military equipment and weapons at ALMEX 2011 |
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| The 45 member team unit leader, Colonel Dritan Demiraj, recounts the details of their first battle mission carried out by the Albanian Army after the Second World War. Colonel Demiraj talks about leading his team in very difficult terrain for various scouting and observation missions and how the Albanian forces have succeeded in all of them. In Kandahar we cooperate with the American Forces. We have served by carrying out various duties in an area which is considered as one of the three most dangerous. And so far we have received the highest recommendations from our American colleagues”, said Colonel Demiraj. Another mission that has been entrusted to our Special Forces regards the training and equipment of the local Afghan police in Kandahar. Every day, leaders of the peacekeeping mission in Kandahar are engaged in training the local Afghan police. They also share their own personal experiences of facing difficult situations. For their great help and the successful fulfillment of the various challenging duties, our Special Forces, led by Colonel Dritan Demiraj, have been highly praised by General David Petreaus himself. |
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During
the “Eagle 1” mission, thanks to their dedication and modern
equipment, Colonel Dritan Demiraj and the Special Forces team received
maximum recommendations for their work by well-known political and military
figures from both the U.S. and Albania.
Currently, the “Eagle 3” mission is stationed in Kandahar and will remain there till the end of December. It will be followed by the “Eagle 4” mission. Starting in January to June 2012 our Special Forces will be led again by Colonel Dritan Demiraj, who says he is maximally committed. The professionalism, dedication and fulfillment of the various missions on the ground by our Special Forces are supported by modern logistics and the latest equipment. Our Special Forces do not differ in any way with regard to the guns and military equipment carried by the American forces or other such armies, says Colonel Demiraj. Moreover, the Albanian government has provided the best of armor and other equipment necessary for the solders of the Special Forces. This is confirmed by Colonel Demiraj, who mentions some of the equipment in use. |
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“We
use the best and most qualitative equipment currently used by the various
military forces. All the scouting equipment for special operations and
first rescue gear are absolutely the best modern ones. The government
has offered its maximum support for the Special Forces”, says Colonel
Dritan Demiraj. All the needs that the mission has had in these months
in Kandahar have been fulfilled and financed by the Albanian government,
Colonel Demiraj adds. In talking about his experience for these past two
years, while the Albanian Forces have been in Afghanistan, he speak of
a unique experience with the current Minister of Defense, Colonel Demiraj
says.
“He is one of the unique people with whom I have had to work. I consider it a personal responsibility and in the name of the Special Forces to thank our minister of Defense, because Mr. Arben Imami has been one of the people who has supported us in a completely unique way. None of the previous ministers has been so engaged and connected to the Special Forces. His support through his decisions has been incomparable to that of other ministers”, Colonel Demiraj said. Our Special Forces have received support also by the Brigadier General Xhemal Gjunkushi. In the last months, general Gjunkushi has visited the Special Forces on three distinct times by offering his support to the Special Forces boys in their missions. “Brigadier General Xhemal Gjunkushi, has started for the first time and is currently working to prepare the draft strategic document for the Special Forces”, Colonel Dritan Demiraj says. This document will further improve the status of the soldiers part of the Special Forces. Currently, Kandahar has about 930 thousand Afghans. The area under the control of the international forces covers 54 thousand square kilometers. |
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 Albanian army Special Forces use the best and most qualitative equipment currently used by the various military forces. |
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Albania in peacekeeping missions abroad
Compared to 2009, the number of our peacekeeping troupes in these missions has grown from 220 to 305. As a result, Albania has been able to increase its number, presence and contribution for global peace and security. The team of Special Forces currently stationed in Kandahar (Afghanistan), is undoubtly writing a glorious page in our army’s history, thus reflecting the best of our Armed Forces. During his visit to Afghanistan the Minister of Defense Arben Imami said: “On account of its discipline, sense of humanism, sacrifice of a true soldier, the Albanian Armed Forces testify once more that they deserve to be members with full rights of NATO and we are proud to have you among us.” The Armed Forces personnel is our greatest asset and riches. Our soldier, who stands very high professionally, is well trained, well equipped and will be our main capacity. We have been following this foundational priority since 2010 for the development of our Special Forces, which for a 2-3 year period will transform it completely in to a comparable force with that of other powerful NATO member countries. |
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