Citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia contribute to ISAF's security mission

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.23.2008

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

By the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan - Approximately 130 soldiers from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 1st Mechanized Infantry Coy, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, have been deployed to International Security Assistance Force Headquarters since July 10, 2008.

The soldiers are helping ISAF in assisting the Afghan government in extending and exercising its authority and influence across the country, creating the conditions for stabilization and reconstruction.

The mission of the soldiers during their six-month deployment is to provide force protection and security to the ISAF headquarters 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

"The [citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia] are here because we joined the coalition forces and want to make a contribution in building democracy and peace in Afghanistan," said Capt. Vasil Mitevski, an engineer officer.

"We are an infantry unit, but we are here for peace keeping operations and keeping the peace in Afghanistan," said Mitevski, a native of Valandovo, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The soldiers conduct mechanized and foot patrols around the city of Kabul. They also provide a quick reaction force, a general security platoon, and security to the front and back gates of Camp ISAF.

"This is my first time in Afghanistan," said Cpl. Ivan Mitrushev, a machine gunner. "I like being in Afghanistan. In the beginning, patrols were a little bit scary, but now we are very used to them and they are normal thing. The work is hard here, it is not easy. We work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's hard work, but it is very responsible. We have to give 100 percent at all times."

"We have good cooperation with the people of Kabul," added Mitrushev, a native of St. Nicholas, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. "Some of the people know us and call us by name when we patrol in their neighborhoods."

Mitevski said the deployment to Afghanistan has been going smooth and has been successful. "We are happy because we are a small army and from a small nation," said Mitevski. "Every soldier for us is like gold, like a diamond. We have a lot of volunteers from our country who want to come. The morale of the soldiers is very high."

The citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of today are just as brave and professional as the soldiers of their forebears who, for generations, had been trained in the hard school of danger and war.

But this time they are not here for glory, but for peace.

• Date Taken: 10.23.2008
• Date Posted: 10.23.2008 10:43
• Story ID: 25445
• Location: KABUL, AF