Lithuania's largest national military drill to concentrate on urban areas

Lithuanian army started on Tuesday the largest national military drill this year "Lightning Strike 2016."

According to the army, the eight-day military drill is aimed at enhancing interoperability between the army, internal system officers and civilian institutions' personnel.

"The goal of the drill is to train Lithuanian army forces to conduct joint operations with units controlled by the interior ministry and enhance interoperability with civilian institutions in the case of hybrid warfare," the country's army informed in its announcement.

A total of 3,000 troops, around 500 officers, including police personnel, antiterrorist operation unit Aras, the country's state border guard officers and firefighters, and 200 civilian personnel are to attend the training. Some 3,000 reserve troops are also to be summoned during the drill.

The military training is to take place at port town of Klaipeda, western Lithuania, mostly concentrating in urban territories. According to Lithuanian army, local residents are to face the army's armed troops patrolling in the streets with military vehicles.

The drill's scenario has been modeled to reflect various types of threats ranging from hybrid warfare to terrorist attacks. Lightning Strike 2016 will pay special attention to the security of the country's strategic objects in Klaipeda, such as the Port of Klaipeda and liquefied natural gas terminal.

Lithuania will conduct at least 13 national and international military drills this year. The Baltic state has stepped up its military spending and defense capabilities since 2014 amid geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Europe. Endit