VILNIUS. Oct 10 (Interfax-AVN) - A Lithuanian army unit will join the anti-terrorist coalition forces combating in Afghanistan in November this year, Defense Minister Linas Linkevicius told Interfax-Military News Agency on Thursday.
"Starting from November Lithuanian servicemen will be involved in the Enduring Freedom operation in Afghanistan within the U.S. military contingent," Linkevicius said.
He refused to disclose specific missions to be accomplished by Lithuanian servicemen in Afghanistan saying that the information is secret.
According to him, 37 Lithuanian soldiers and officers, who are to operate within the U.S. special purpose units, will stay in Afghanistan for six months. "Servicemen of the Kaunas jaeger battalion and Aitvaras special purpose service (a special unit of the Land Forces) will form the core of the unit to be sent to Afghanistan," Linkevicius stressed.
The unit will be stationed near the town of Kandahar.
"Liuthuania's expenses amounting to LTL2m (USD500,000)for the entire term of its contingent's stationing in Afghanistan will be covered by the Defense Ministry budget for 2002," Linkevicius added.
Lithuanian media outlets earlier reported that Lithuanian servicemen would perform scouting missions in Afghanistan.