Lithuania Approves Deployment of Up to 40 Personnel to Strait of Hormuz; Lawmaker: Vote Linked to U.S. Troop Presence

(Taipei, reporter You Yao-ru, Vilnius, Jan. 11) Lithuania's parliament passed a resolution today to deploy up to 40 military and defense civilian personnel to participate in international maritime security operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Lawmaker Laurynas Kasciunas stated that the decision is directly linked to the continued rotational deployment of U.S. troops in Lithuania.

According to Lithuania National Radio and Television (LRT), the Lithuanian parliament approved the authorization bill with 77 votes in favor, 11 opposed, and 6 abstentions, expanding the previous limit of five personnel and allowing simultaneous participation in multiple operations in the region.

Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said Lithuania is currently assessing the provision of specialized support, including mine-clearing capabilities, drone system operations, and surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.

Kaunas emphasized that Lithuania intends to join both the joint mission led by the United Kingdom and France, as well as a separate U.S.-led operation, describing the contribution as defensive in nature aimed at safeguarding maritime security and energy stability. He added that any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would impact oil and energy prices in Europe.

Some members of parliament opposed the resolution, citing unclear mission objectives and the risk of drawing Lithuania into broader regional conflicts. However, supporters argued that such deployments are standard NATO practices, with specific tasks to be coordinated among allies.

Laurynas Kasciunas, a parliament member and chairman of the opposition party 'Homeland Union,' stated that the United States is currently reviewing its military deployment structure in Lithuania and across Europe. Failure to pass the resolution, he warned, would send a negative signal to Washington. He stressed that approving the mission is necessary if Lithuania wishes to maintain a continued U.S. military presence.

LRT reported that Lithuania currently hosts a NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battle group and has long sought permanent U.S. troop deployment. The vote comes at a sensitive time, as the United States reviews its rotational troop arrangements in Europe, particularly significant for Lithuania, located on NATO's eastern flank. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150611

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