Current operations and missions
Since its first intervention in the Balkans in 1995, the tempo and diversity of NATO operations have only increased. NATO has since been engaged in missions that cover the full spectrum of crisis management operations – from combat and peacekeeping, to training and logistics support, to surveillance and humanitarian relief. Today, they are operating in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq, the Mediterranean and Somalia.
NATO in Afghanistan
NATO’s operation in Afghanistan constitutes the Alliance’s most significant undertaking to date. Established by UN mandate in 2001, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has been under NATO leadership since August 2003.
ISAF comprises some 55,000 troops from over 40 different countries deployed throughout Afghanistan. Its mission is to extend the authority of the Afghan central government in order to create an environment conducive to the functioning of democratic institutions and the establishment of the rule of law.
A major component of this mission is the establishment of professional Afghan National Security Forces that would enable Afghans to assume more and more responsibility for the security of their country. Much progress has already been made. From a non-existent force in 2003, the Afghan army currently comprises over 70,000 soldiers, and has begun taking the lead in most operations.
In addition to conducting security operations and building up the Afghan army and police, ISAF is also directly involved in facilitating the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan through 26 Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) which are engaged in identifying reconstruction needs and supporting humanitarian assistance activities throughout the country.
NATO in Kosovo
While Afghanistan remains NATO’s primary operational theatre, the Alliance has not faltered on its other commitments, particularly in the Balkans. Today, roughly 15,000 Allied troops operate in the Balkans as part of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR).
Having first entered Kosovo in June 1999 to end widespread violence and halt the humanitarian disaster, KFOR troops continue to maintain a strong presence throughout the territory, preserving the peace that was imposed by NATO nearly a decade earlier.
Following Kosovo’s declaration of independence in February 2008, NATO agreed it would continue to maintain its presence on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 1244. In June 2008, the Alliance decided to take on responsibility for supervising the dissolution of the Kosovo Protection Corps and to help create a professional and multiethnic Kosovo Security Force.
NATO and Iraq
Between the Balkans and Afghanistan lies Iraq, where NATO has been conducting a relatively small but important support operation.
At the Istanbul Summit in June 2004, the Allies rose above their differences and agreed to be part of the international effort to help Iraq establish effective and accountable security forces. The outcome was the creation of the NATO Training Mission in Iraq (NTM-I).
The NTM-I delivers its training, advice and mentoring support in a number of different settings. All NATO member countries are contributing to the training effort either in or outside of Iraq, through financial contributions or donations of equipment.
Monitoring the Mediterranean Sea
NATO operations are not limited only to zones of conflict. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, NATO immediately began to take measures to expand the options available to counter the threat of international terrorism. With the launching of the maritime surveillance operation Active Endeavour in October 2001, NATO added a new dimension to the global fight against terrorism.
Led by NATO naval forces, Operation Active Endeavour is focused on detecting and deterring terrorist activity in the Mediterranean. The scope of this operation was later expanded to include the escort of Allied civilian and commercial vessels through the Straight of Gibraltar.
The operation has proved to be an effective tool both in safeguarding a strategic maritime region and in countering terrorism on and from the high seas. Moreover, the experience and partnerships developed through Operation Active Endeavour have considerably enhanced NATO’s capabilities in this increasingly vital aspect of operations.
Supporting the African Union
Well beyond the Euro-Atlantic region, the Alliance continues to support the African Union (AU) in its peacekeeping missions on the African continent.
Since June 2007, NATO has assisted the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) by providing airlift support for AU peacekeepers. This support was authorized until February 2009 and the Alliance is ready to consider any new requests from the AU. NATO also continues to work with the AU in identifying further areas where NATO could support the African Standby Force.
NATO’s continuing support to the AU is a testament to the Alliance’s commitment to building partnerships and supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts beyond the Euro-Atlantic region.
Counter-piracy off the Horn of Africa
In March 2009, NATO launched Operation Allied Protector, a counter-piracy operation, to improve the safety of commercial maritime routes and international navigation off the Horn of Africa. The force is conducting surveillance tasks and providing protection to deter and suppress piracy and armed robbery, which are threatening sea lines of communication and economic interests.
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