NATO Awards Montenegrin Troops in Afghanistan

Montenegro's contingent in the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan was awarded on Tuesday in a ceremony held at the Allied base in Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan.

"NATO medals have been awarded to members of the armed forces in recognition of the commitment and successful fulfillment of the ISAF mission's tasks," Montenegro's Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.
 
The unit of 15 members will end its six-month stint in Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The small Balkan country first deployed troops in the NATO operation in Afghanistan back in 2010.

Although the number of troops was reduced from 41 to only 15 in past four years, their final tasks were deemed serious and complex - providing transport and security assistance to international training and consulting teams in the country.

Although most people still oppose NATO membership for Montenegro as well as further engagement in alliance missions, the government has decided to continue its military presence in Afghanistan after the 13-year-long ISAF mission ends in December.

Last week, parliament supported the deployment of another 20 soldiers in the new non-combat NATO-led mission called "Resolute Support", which starts in January 2015.