Western Lithuania hosts its largest commandant exercises

Western Lithuania is hosting its largest commandant exercises, with about 2,300 military personnel and civilians taking part, LRT reported. The weekend drills are focused on protecting key sites, carrying out commandant duties and coordinating responses to simulated incidents.

A joint checkpoint has been set up on the Vilnius-Klaipėda highway shortly before the entrance to Klaipėda. Police are checking cars and trucks, with other agencies assisting when needed. Heavy vehicles are being sent through a mobile X-ray scanner. The checks caused a traffic jam several kilometres long.

Police found several drivers who did not have the right to drive. Suspected narcotics were also found in one car. The checkpoint is one part of the exercises, organised by the Board of Military Commandant Offices and the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union across Klaipėda, Gargždai, Šilutė and nearby areas.

Saturday’s drills will include a simulated curfew across the exercise area and a response to a protest that turns into a riot outside Klaipėda’s municipal building. Other scenarios include a simulated act of sabotage at a railway junction and a fire at a boiler house. Exercises will also take place near water supply facilities.

Organisers say the drills bring together the military, the Riflemen’s Union, police, the Public Security Service and other civilian institutions to improve coordination. Officials also aim to keep residents informed about what is happening, what to expect and where to find updates.

Tags: Lithuania, military exercises, Klaipėda