 "Hundreds of Swedish troops arrive in Latvia for NATO mission")
Hundreds of Swedish troops arrived in Latvia on Saturday to join a Canadian-led multinational brigade stationed along NATO’s eastern flank. Sweden has described this deployment as its most significant operation since becoming a member of the Western defence alliance.
A mechanised infantry battalion, accompanied by the Swedish air force and naval units from Sweden and Latvia, arrived at Riga’s port early Saturday, according to the Swedish armed forces.
Latvia, bordering Russia and Belarus, is situated in a region of heightened tensions due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Sweden’s deployment of 550 troops aims to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts, ensuring regional stability.
Sweden’s armed forces said the mission of 550 troops will contribute to the alliance’s deterrence and defense efforts, and ensure stability in the region, and that it “marks Sweden’s largest commitment yet since joining NATO.”
Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdahl of the 71st Battalion said he felt great pride in contributing to the alliance’s collective defense.
”It’s a historic day, but at the same time, it’s our new normal,” he said.
The Swedish troops join one of eight NATO brigades along the alliance’s eastern flank. The battalion is stationed outside the town of Adazi, near Riga.
Sweden formally joined NATO in March as the 32nd member of the trans-Atlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader nonalignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Impact Shorts
View AllFinland also abandoned its longstanding military neutrality to join NATO in April 2023, due to anxieties sparked when Russia invaded Ukraine the previous year.
With inputs from agencies
 "‘We will never leave...’: Zelenskyy refuses to cede Donbas region that could be Putin's 'springboard' for future war")
 "Israel in talks with South Sudan over plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza: Report")
 "Irish president condemns ‘despicable’ attacks on Indians amid rising hate crimes")
 "National Guard moves into DC as Trump’s law-and-order push sparks backlash from mayors")
 "‘We will never leave...’: Zelenskyy refuses to cede Donbas region that could be Putin's 'springboard' for future war")
 "Israel in talks with South Sudan over plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza: Report")
 "Irish president condemns ‘despicable’ attacks on Indians amid rising hate crimes")
 "National Guard moves into DC as Trump’s law-and-order push sparks backlash from mayors")
