NATO exercise ends days before Stoltenberg visit to region

The exercise included Special Operations Forces (SOF) from NATO Allies Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Türkiye as well as observers from NATO partner Bosnia and Herzegovina, the press release said adding that they completed complex training including free-fall parachute jumps, fast-roping from helicopters, vehicle interdiction, sniper operations and building clearance.

“The aim of the exercise was to further strengthen cooperation among different Allied SOF units with regard to today’s security challenges. It was the first time for Albania to host this annual exercise,” it said.

The exercise came before NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s visit to the Western Balkans from November 19 to 22. Stoltenberg will visit Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia for meetings with top officials an will take part in a meeting with leaders of NATO member states in the region.