"Imposition 17" Exercise to protect maritime environment and legislation

: Published: Saturday, 14 October 2017 14:36

The achievement of standards in the Naval Force to enforce the legality in the maritime environment continues to be a priority for the Albanian Armed Forces. This was also one of the goals of the “Imposition 17” Exercise that was conducted in the Bay of Vlora.

“Imposition 17” Exercise is one of the main exercises for the Naval Force, Air Force and Special Forces, that participate in this exercise as well, because these forces interact with each other in different operations.

Deputy Minister of Defense, Mr. Petro Koçi, who was present in this exercise, explained its importance. “The Naval Force has the mission of ensuring legitimacy in the maritime area, so it should not only be trained to carry out the duties, but also to achieve NATO’s international standards. Now we have two certified boarding groups and we are proud that our Naval Force is part of an International Mission in the Aegean Sea”, said Mr. Koçi.

Mr. Koçi responded to the interest of journalists, explaining the role of the Albanian Naval Force in maintaining a secure and safe maritime environment and enforcing sea legitimacy. “The Naval Force, under the coordination of the Inter-institutional Maritime Operational Centre (IMOC) and in cooperation with other institutions that are concerned in maritime activity, helps countering traffickers at sea. Maritime area is often used by criminal groups and our Naval Force, in cooperation with the Border Police, part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other institutions, contributes to counter these trafficking groups and to the maintenance of a secure and safe maritime environment. On the other hand, the second scenario of the exercise aimed the action to counter-terrorism at sea, and contributing to maritime security capacity-building. The boarding teams of our special groups freed a merchant vessel crew that was taken hostage by terrorists or robbers. The exercise achieved its goal by implementing both scenarios”, concluded Mr. Koçi.

The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku, force commanders, and Foreign Military Attachés accredited in our country were present in this event as well.