Mosul, Iraq– Albanian Army units are helping Coalition Forces fight terrorism in Iraq from a small contingency headquartered on Logistical Support Area Diamondback.

The Kommandos, 1 st Battalion, 6 th Albanian Contingent, controls the battle space east of LSA Diamondback as well as guard towers on the north end of the installation.

“We have 120 Soldiers here, but in my country all the people support our guys, and my people like freedom,” said Besnik Sokoli, commander, 6 th Albanian Contingent. “In my country, we were not struck by terrorism, but the government and people support Albanian Soldiers fighting terrorism.”

Kommando units have been supporting Coalition Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom since the beginning of 2003. They serve on six-month rotations.

“Our prime minister was here two months ago and he said Albania will be in Iraq the same amount of time as the U.S. forces,” Sokoli said. “The Soldiers are proud to fight terrorism here and to fight the global war on terrorism.”

In 2004, Sgt. Elton Abazllari, now the company advisor, was deployed to Iraq, working with U.S. Special Forces. He was wounded in his right leg by an Improvised Explosive Device. He said the situation in Mosul has greatly improved in the past year.

“Now-a-days, things are changing for the better,” Sokoli said. “Three years ago, it was the worst situation, and now it’s better because the local government is taking control and responsibility and fighting terrorism, and the coalition is supporting them.”

Sokoli’s Kommandos will be leaving Iraq in mid-April to be replaced by the Kommandos 2 nd Battalion.

“I think now terrorism is the worst sickness and all democratic countries need to put together all their forces to fight the terrorists,” Sokoli said.