All structures of the Armed Forces are into full readiness coping with the situation due to recent rains. Land Force and Support Command have been directly engaged in most affected areas, mainly in Shkodra and Lezha. Troops equipped with vehicles used in such situations are engaged and heavy vehicles are available to local government authorities in order to transport supplies and people affected by the floods. In addition to the troops directly involved in the operation, there are other standby troops ready to respond to the possible further deterioration of the situation.
On the evening of January 8, Coast Guard was reported of a dinghy at the estuary of the Vjosa River which was at risk of drowning with 55 migrants including women and children. After assessing the information, the Navy coordinated the work for the Search-and-Rescue operation treatment. The investigative structures of the Local Police Directorate of Vlora and of Border Police, under the direction of the Prosecution, are taking actions to fully revealing the attempt of smuggling migrants by sea and bringing to justice the responsible people. and two Navy ships were immediately sent to the site.
The Ministry of Defense and the National Agency of Civil Emergencies are closely monitoring the situation created by the recent rains. At the request of Shkodra Municipality, Forces of the First Infantry Battalion are available to any transportation and evacuation needed in Obot village of the administrative unit of “Ana e Malit”. Currently, there are some partly floods in Kuç village, while the inflows of Kir and Gjader river have been increased. In the surface of certain lands, the water level goes up to 30 cm.
Defence Minister Niko Peleshi and Chief of General Staff of AF, Prof. Assoc. Bajram Begaj took part in the Departure Ceremony of the VIII EOD Contingent, which will be part in NATO mission of enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), as part of battalion group headed by Canadian forces deployed in Latvia.
Defence Minister after greeting the engineering troops of Support Command, thanked them for the important contribution by serving to peace and community. The Defence Minister emphasized the importance of this mutual contribution alongside with our Alliance Allies and its continuance though this contingent which has established a higher standard during its mission of NATO enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.
Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Prof. Assoc. Bajram Begaj participated in the annual work analysis conducted by the commands of forces and the main units. The analysis was conducted online.The Chief of General Staff praised the work of the Land, Navy and Air Force Commands, the Support Command, the Armed Forces Academy and the autonomous units, emphasizing the fact that although it was a difficult year conditioned by the pandemic, the Albanian Armed Forces successfully achieved 2020 objectives.
Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka conducted an online conversation with the high representatives in NATO and peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Latvia, South Sudan and Bosnia and Herzegovina. After her holiday greetings, the Defence Minister showed concern about the effectives health and their family members during this difficult time.
"To you, I will not be only a good friend but also your biggest advocate", - said Minister Xhaçka, and expressed her appreciation for the contribution of every member of the Armed Forces, home and abroad. During the online meeting, which was attended by leaders of the Forces, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Prof. Assoc. Bajram Begaj ensured attention to the staff and their families.
