Some 200 Estonian defense forces personnel to welcome 2008 on mission

31.12.2007

TALLINN, Dec 31, BNS - In all about 200 members of the Estonian defense forces are set to usher in the new year on missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The largest Estonian contingent is deployed on the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan, made up of the infantry company ESTCOY-5, the logistics unit NSE-4, a team at the Kabul International Airport, and staff officers in Kabul and Kandahar. The contingent is made up of 127 personnel at this point.

The 34-strong light infantry platoon ESTPLA-16 and staff officers will welcome the new year in Iraq.

Estonia also has a 26-strong reconnaissance unit, ESTRIF-2, and staff officers serving in Kosovo, while two Estonian officers and one warrant officer are deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8814, sise@bns.ee