Units from the Baltic states, Poland and the United States started joint military exercises at the Adazi Training Area in Latvia on Monday, the Latvian Defense Ministry said.
Over 1,700 servicemen from five NATO countries will take part in the Sabre Strike 2011 exercise until October 31 in preparation for their possible future deployment in Afghanistan.
"The aim of the Sabre Strike 2011 drills is to practice interoperability procedures and improve the integration of the land and air operational ability of three Baltic States and the United States with prospects of participation in the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) operation in Afghanistan and other multinational operations in the future," the ministry said.
This is the first time the exercise, which is organized by the United States, has been held in the Baltic States.
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia contribute troops to the 55,000-strong ISAF contingent in Afghanistan. The countries have 175, 245 and 160 troops deployed in the war-torn country respectively.
RIGA, October 18 (RIA Novosti)
