The establishment of the US Special Operations Command Task Group Balkans headquarters have been formalised on Thursday in Albania.
Announced on 6 January by Prime Minister Edi Rama, the group will be located in Albanian on a rotational basis and will provide increased coordination with Albanian allies, access to transportation hubs in the Balkans and more logistical flexibility.
US special forces operatives are highly trained and are kitted out with the most advanced weapons and communications equipment. They are often called in for counterterrorism or reconnaissance missions and can more easily infiltrate enemy lines.
Commander Major General David Tabor from SOCEUR said they would be in Albania to respond to threats.
“The ability to move and train rapidly within the Balkans, in close coordination with other allied and partner forces, made Albania the best location for this effort,” he said.
“SOCEUR is uniquely committed to boosting our relations with allies and partners to counter malicious influence, to build interoperability, to respond quickly to emerging threats and, if necessary, to defeat aggression.”
At a ceremony to launch the task force on Thursday, US Ambassador to Albania Yuri Kim said, “This is truly historic! It’s a new development in defense cooperation between the United States and Albania.”
“For years we have discussed, explored, and assessed opportunities for U.S. military presence in Albania, built on Albania’s invitation and our deep relationship. Last year, Albania hosted DEFENDER Europe 21, the largest military exercise ever in the Balkans, which proved that our security relationship was ready for the next level,” the diplomat added.
Speaking about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kim said “we must continue to respond to all threats with resolve, speed, and strength.
