Albania decides to send troops to fight ISIS in Iraq

TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s defense minister Mimi Kodheli has confirmed the small NATO member plans to send troops to fight ISIS terrorists in Iraq.

The decision of the Albanian Government comes after a request from the United States which is stepping up its efforts to root out the terrorist cells still holding large areas of Iraq.

The decision is expected to be approved in the Albanian parliament without any hurdles while the troops are expected to be part of a global coalition which is fighting ISIS in Iraq.

Meanwhile this week Albania is to send another mission to Afghanistan “Military Advisor Team-5” (MAT-5) a contingent of 12 militaries, including militaries of New Jersey National Guard, which is to offer assistance in training the First Motorised Brigade of the Afghan Armed Forces.

Since its NATO membership in 2009, Albania has been active in international peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Mali and the Aegean Sea.