NATO Conducts Large-Scale Exercises in the Western Balkans

NATO has commenced joint exercises in Albania with thousands of troops from the United States and other countries, marking the first large-scale drills in the Western Balkans since World War II, said U.S. Army spokesperson Colonel Joseph Skroccan, as reported by AP.

According to Skroccan, Albania has been a committed NATO ally since 2009 and serves as a valuable partner in the security domain both regionally and globally. He noted that Albania plays a crucial role in the DEFENDER-Europe 21 exercises, with joint ground logistical operations taking place for the first time in the port of Durres since World War II.

Starting April 26, U.S. troops are stationed at five land, sea, and air bases in Albania to conduct exercises until June 10.

“This historic mission demonstrates our capacity to serve as a strategic security partner in the Western Balkans and the Black Sea region,” Skroccan stated.

DEFENDER-Europe is an annual, large-scale, multinational exercise led by the U.S. Army. It is defensive in nature and aimed at deterring aggression. This year, it aims to improve operational readiness and interoperability with NATO and a large number of allies and partners in broader operations than in previous years.

Nearly 28,000 U.S., allied, and partner forces from 26 countries will conduct near-simultaneous operations at more than 30 bases across more than a dozen countries, from the Baltics and Africa to critical regions of the Black Sea and the Balkans.