105 Estonian troops to return from Afghanistan

The company, headed by Maj. Ain Tiidrus and the national support element under the command of Lt. Tanel Kapper, served alongside a British-led battle troops in the HelmandProvince in Southern Afghanistan.

The soldiers returning from the mission were greeted by chief of staff Col. Neeme Vali presented the troop with the awards they have merited, Defense Forces headquarters reported.

During their six-month mission, ESCOY-6 performed various combat duties and was repeatedly in armed contact with rebel forces. Together with the U.S. marines, the unit carried out five company-scale operations.

Before their return home, the service of Estonian soldiers was recognized by NATO medals at CampBastion. The medals were presented by Col. Martin Smith, commander of the South Battle Group and deputy commander of the HelmandProvince security assistance forces.

Estcoy-6 together with its support element flew to Afghanistan on May 8. This marked the first mortar platoon in the composition of the Estonian contracted infantry company.

The Estonian defense forces have taken part in the operation in Afghanistan since 2003. With a personnel of nearly 150, it is the biggest foreign mission of the defense forces. In addition to the infantry company and the support element, it also includes the cross service team at KabulAirport and staff officers in the allied forces' headquarters.